Monday, September 24, 2012 by GLOBAL MEDIA MIRROR LIMITED

Impeachment: Okupe warns lawmakers against unguarded comments Blasts Soyinka, Bakare, CPC

OBIORA IFOH AND TORDUE SALEM

Jonathan

Vol. 2 N0. 454

he Presidency yesterday warned the National Assembly

against threatening President Goodluck Jonathan with impeachment over routine disagreements at the slightest opportunity. It said that the interest of the nation should be par-

amount in the minds of the members. Speaking at a media chat in Abuja, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Affairs, Dr. CONTINUED ON PAGE 2>>

Mimiko has COUNTDOWN TO nothing to show for huge allocation, GUBER POLL says Akeredolu

ONDO October 20, 2012

DAYS TO GO

PDP berates gov over plan to probe Agagu

P.13

Monday, September 24, 2012

N150

Bloody Sunday in Bauchi:

EZEKIEL TITUS, TORDUE SALEM AND AZA MSUE

Suicide bomber hits I Catholic church again

t was a bloody Sunday yesterday as a suicide bomber struck at the gate of St. Johnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Catholic Church, Bauchi, killing himself, three worshippers and injuring 46 others. The attacker, it was gathered, beat the usual tight security provided at the church before hitting the gate to detonate the bomb. The blast took place at

...kills three worshippers, injures 46 CAN calls for state of emergency

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2>>

Arik returns, records low turnout of passengers P.6

Fuel scarcity persists as marketers increase price per litre Injured victims of the bomb blast at St.Johnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Catholic Church, Bauchi, yesterday. More pictures on page 2

PHOTO: NAN

P.6

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Monday, September 24, 2012

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Suicide bomber hits Catholic church again CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

about 8:55a.m. when the first batch of worshippers was leaving the church and the second batch was coming in. Narrating the incident to journalists, the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN,

Bauchi State chapter, Rev. Lawi Pokti, said: “It occurred around 8.55a.m. when the first set of worshippers was coming out of the church and the second session was about to start. “The suicide bomber came in an Opel saloon car

but could not get through to the church premises. So, he hit the barricade at the gate and detonated his explosive device. “He and three worshipers died while over 46 others were injured. Some of those injured are battling between life and death.”

Wreckage of the suicide bomber’s car.

A baby victim of the blast being treated at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, Bauchi yesterday. PHOTOS: NAN

National Mirror learnt that some of the injured were rushed to Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, Bauchi, by officials of Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, who arrived at the scene before other security agencies. One of the security men at the church, Mr. Marcellius Udia, told one of our correspondents that he quickly shut the gate before the suicide bomber could enter and stopped worshippers from coming out of the church when he noticed the unusual approach of the car. Udia explained that he saw the bomber coming in through the wrong way and was driving in a suspicious way. A worshipper, Mr. Osondu Chukwu, said that but for the barricade, the casualties would have been more. “The sound was massive and you can imagine if he had succeeded in getting to the hall where service was taking place,” he said. The Secretary of the Nigeria Red Cross in Bauchi State, Mr. Adamu Abubakar, also confirmed that three persons died along with the bomber. “Three persons died and 46 others were injured. The injured are now being treated at the Abubakar

Tafawa Balewa Teaching Hospital, Bauchi,” he said. The state police command also said that the explosion killed three persons, including the suicide bomber. The police spokesperson, Mr. Hassan Auyo, told newsmen that 46 other worshippers in the church were injured. He, however, said that no arrest had been made, although investigation had begun into the incident. But the umbrella body of CAN in the 19 northern states and Abuja yesterday called on the Federal Government to urgently declare a state of emergency in Bauchi State if the ongoing genocide continued. Northern CAN’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Sunday Oibe, said this while reacting to yesterday’s attack. He said that the emergency rule was necessary due to the inability of Governor Isa Yuguda to curb the incessant massacres. “If the governor cannot curtail what is happening in the state, then the Federal Government should as a matter of urgency declare a state of emergency in Bauchi State. “What offence did Christians commit? We can’t accept government’s inability to end killings of Christians in Bauchi State.

“The governor should not wait until when people die and he will send money for mass burial. This is unacceptable to us. “Don’t Christians have the right to live again in this country? “We condole with the families of the victims and pray that God would console their hearts. We are also calling on Christians not to lose hope but to continue praying,” he said. The National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, however, confirmed three deaths and 25 others injured in the incident. NEMA, in a statement by its Head, Public Relations, Alhaji Yushau Shuaib, “confirmed that three people died from an explosion that occurred close to a worshipping centre in Bauchi town.” “Apart from the suspected suicide bomber who was killed by the explosion, a woman and a child also lost their lives after the incident. Twenty-two other injured victims are currently receiving medical treatment in hospital in Bauchi,” NEMA said. Suicide bombers had on December 25, 2011 attacked St. Theresa Catholic Church in Madalla, Niger State, which CONTINUED ON PAGE 5>>

Impeachment: Okupe warns lawmakers against unguarded comments CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Doyin Okupe, also advised Nigerians to give due respect to the office of the President, irrespective of the occupant and political affiliation. Okupe noted that President Jonathan halted further action on the new N5,000 note being proposed by the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, based on public reactions against the policy. On the constant conflicts between the legislative and the executive arms of government, Okupe said that it was normal under a presidential system of government “as it will allow for checks and balances for good governance.” He, however, said that the present National Assembly remained the best the nation ever had since the return of civil rule over 13 years ago. Okupe said that the intention of both the legislative and the ex-

ecutive was to ensure good governance for the nation, but stressed that in pursing this agenda; there would be conflict and disagreements. He said: “There are bound to be conflicts and disagreements but moderation must be the order of the day. Even in the face of conflicts and disagreement, the interest of the over 150 million Nigerians must be paramount. ‘’The legislative arm of government has the constitutional right to impeach the President but that should be the last option, not that anytime there is one form of disagreement or the other, the legislature will be threatening the President with impeachment, “No, there is always a room for dialogue. Our democracy is new, we have to build it and allow it to grow. “The legislature will be passing good laws while the

executive will be executing the good laws for the development of the country,” he said. On the stoppage of further action on the N5,000 note, he said that President Jonathan took the action as a listening leader based on the stiff opposition from the various interest groups in the country. He explained that the intervention of the President would allow the CBN the opportunity to educate the public on why it was introducing the new policy before a final decision on it would be taken. The presidential aide, who also spoke on the recent comments credited to some individuals and political parties over the reaction of President Jonathan on the fuel subsidy protest in Lagos and some parts of the country early this year, warned that such comments would no longer be

ignored by his office without appropriate responses. Okupe specifically made references to the statements credited to Prof. Wole Soyinka, Pastor Tunde Bakare, the Congress for Progressive Change, CPC, and the All Nigeria Peoples Party of Nigeria, ANPP. He said: “The office of Mr. President deserves due respect. We are not talking about the present occupant or the political party, it is President Jonathan today, it may be Pastor Bakare tomorrow “To say that President Jonathan’s comment on the fuel subsidy matter was due to bad conscience or that he had been alienated from the public was uncalled for.” He said that the Presidency disagreed with Prof. Soyinka that President Jonathan was suffering from bad conscience,

saying, “If the President was, he would not have stopped the printing of the N5,000 notes.” Meanwhile, a member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Fort Dike, has expressed disappointment over the continuing disregard of resolutions passed by the National Assembly by the Presidency. The lawmaker in an interview with National Mirror yesterday also supported the move by the Senate to strengthen the parliament’s resolutions or motions as intervening items to address the country’s problems. Dike, who chairs the House Committee on Inter/Intra Party Relations, however, regretted that though President Jonathan assumed office through a resolution, he always ignored resolutions passed by the legis-

lature. “Resolutions are supposed to express deep feelings of the National Assembly. Resolutions are not laws; they express the deep feelings of the legislature. Resolutions are immediate to address events, so, as much as possible, they must be respected. “The President must remember that it was through a resolution that he became the Acting President at a difficult time in the history of this country, so he must respect resolutions passed by the National Assembly,” he said. He explained that though conventions were not laws, “they are well respected in Britain, where they don’t have a written constitution.” “Everything must not be done by laws”, he said. He, however, warned that the idea of signature CONTINUED ON PAGE 5>>

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Monday, September 24, 2012

Photo News

Monday, September 24, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

L-R: Deputy Director, Entrepreneur Development Centre (EDC), Ms. Nneka Okekeani; Founder, The Tony Elumelu Foundation and Guest Speaker, Mr. Tony Elumelu and Director, EDC, Mr. Peter Bankole, during EDC’s Annual SME Convention in Lagos, at the weekend. L-R: Actresses Stephanie Okereke, Geneveive Nnaji and Managing Director, M-net Africa, Mrs. Biola Alabi, during the announcement of Africamagic Viewers’ Choice Awards in Lagos, at the weekend.

Chairman, Copyright Society of Nigeria, Chief Tony Okoroji presenting a copyright licence to the Director General, Yar’adua Centre, Mrs. Jacqueline Farris in Abuja, at the weekend.

L-R: General Manager, NTA, Uyo, Mr. Chidi Uluka; Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Aniekan Umanah and Director General, Akwa Ibom Broadcasting Service, Mr. Praise Okon, during a conference marking the 25th anniversary of the state creation, at the weekend.

National News

Electricity: BPE postpones opening bid for distribution firms

he Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) has postponed the opening of financial bid for the sale of electricity distribution companies. The opening of the bid was earlier scheduled for October 10 to October 16. A statement issued by the BPE in Abuja said the postponement was to give bidders the required 15 working days to procure and submit their post-qualification security. The agency said the shift in date was necessitated by the time lost from the postponement of the last meeting of the National Council on Privatisation (NCP) from September 13 to September 18. It assured stakeholders that all other dates in the timeline for the privatisation of the successor companies of Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) remained unchanged. The agency reiterated that the opening of the financial bids of investors

for the five generation companies, whose technical proposals met the requirement would take place as scheduled on Tuesday. . The statement named the three bidders shortlisted for Ughelli Power as Feniks Electricity, Transcorp and Wood Rock/Symbion Power/Medea/PSL/Thomasen and Amperion Power Distribution Limited. For Sapele Power Plc, CMEC/EURAFRIC Energy and JBN-Nestoil Power Services were shortlisted, while Amperion Power Distribution Ltd emerged for Geregu Power Plc. Also Mainstream Energy Solutions was shortlisted for the Kainji Power Plc, while North-South Power was listed for Shiroro Power Plc. On Afam Power Plc, the sixth generation company put up for sale, the privatisation agency said no bidder was technically qualified for the company. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that on September18, the NCP

approved a list of prospective investors qualified to bid for 10 electricity distribution companies in the country. The electricity distribution firms proposed for sale are located in Ibadan, Ikeja, Abuja, Enugu, Jos, Eko, Port Harcourt, Yola, Kano, Benin and Kaduna. The NCP said Ikeja Distribution Company received the highest number of qualified bids with eight firms.They are: Oando Consortium, Amperion Power Distribution Company Ltd, Honeywell Energy Resources Limited and Integrated Energy Distribution and Marketing Company. Others are Vigeo Holdings, Gumco, African Corporation AFC and CESC, Kepco/NEDC Consortium, West Power and Gas; and Rockson Engineering. The Eko Distribution Company received the second highest number of bids with six firms showing interest. The bidders are Oando Consortium, Integrated En-

ergy Distribution and Marketing Company, Sepco-Pacific Energy Consortium, Kepco/NEDC Consortium, Honeywell Energy Resources, Limited West Power and Gas as well as Rockson Engineering. Three bidders shortlisted for Ibadan Distribution Company are Western Consortium, Integrated Energy Distribution and Marketing Company and Kepco/ NEDC Consortium. For the Abuja Distribution Firm, the NCP approved two bids, namely, Kam Consortium Utility Company Ltd and Interstate Electrics Ltd. Also, four firms emerged for the Enugu company, namely Rensmart Power Ltd, Proglobal Power International consortium, Interstate Electrics and Eastern Electric Nigeria Ltd. Aura Energy Limited was the only bidder for the Jos Distribution company, while Integrated Energy Distribution and Marketing Company emerged for Yola and Sahelian Power

SPV Ltd was named for Kano. Furthermore two bidders were shortlisted for the Port Harcourt Distribution Company, namely, 4Power Consortium and Rockson Engineering. For the Benin Distribution company four firms emerged, namely, Southern Electric Distribution Company, Rensmart Power Ltd, Vigeo Power Consortium and Rockson Engineering. The prospective bidders listed by the NCP were for 10 distribution companies, excluding the Kaduna Distribution Company. The council said the two bids received for Kaduna were not “technically qualified’’ and added that fresh bids would be invited from all the pre-qualified bidders in respect of the company. This implies that all the 54 companies that previously submitted technical and financial bids to acquire majority stakes in the 11 distribution companies would be eligible for the fresh bid.

Three die in Nasarawa governor’s convoy crash IGBAWASE UKUMBA LAFIA

hree persons died yesterday evening in the convoy of Nasarawa State Governor, Tanko Al-makura. The accident occurred when the governor was returning from Umaisha after donating relief materials to flood victims at Umaisha in Toto Local Government Area of the state. The Hilux van on the governor’s convoy was said to have rammed into a truck that was coming from the opposite side. The victims were the governor’s Personal Assistant, Mohammed Zaki Gambo, a policeman attached to the governor’s son and the driver of the Hilux van. The governor’s son, who escaped death, was rushed to the medical center, Keffi.

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Monday, September 24, 2012

PDP controls 30 out of 63 political parties –LP chairman OBIORA IFOH ABUJA

ut of the 63 political parties in the country today, 30 “are owned and sponsored by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, according to

the National Chairman of the Labour Party, LP, Chief Dan Nwanyawu. He also said that only nine political parties had functional offices in Abuja as stipulated by the electoral laws. Delivering a lecture titled “Transformation of

Nigeria politics: The Labour Party perspective” at the Institute of the Security Studies at the weekend in Abuja, Nwanyawu called on the National Assembly to make a law that would make it punishable for public officers who misadvised the government.

Long queue at a fuel station along Iju Road, Lagos, as scarcity persisted yesterday.

He also called for promulgation of laws that would make electoral fraud impracticable. Nwanyawu noted that the country’s electoral system that “encourages multi-party system is a disservice to the nation.” The party chairman ex-

PHOTO:ADEMOLA AKINLABI

NEXIM Bank disburses N700m from entertainment fund TOLA AKINMUTIMI ABUJA

he Nigerian Export Import Bank has disbursed about N700m to qualified players in the nation’s entertainment industry even as it debunked insinuation that the process of accessing the $200m Entertainment Fund was slow. The bank management said that the inability of the practitioners to meet the stipulated minimum requirements for accessing the loans remained the challenge. It added that the loans were available for industry operators that met the stipulated conditions. The Managing Director, Mr. Robert Orya, disclosed

this at a media briefing on the operations of the bank since 2010 at the weekend in Abuja. He said that one of the reasons for delayed disbursement of credit to practitioners was the erroneous impression the operators had that the money was a grant by government to assist the growth of the sector and not a loan. Orya added: “The fund disbursement is not fast because with due apologies, most of the practitioners believe that it is a grant that was given by Mr. President. But it is not a grant. “We appreciate the fact that these people have the talents, they don’t have the collateral. “Now, the collateral is important because the banking laws in Nigeria here prohibit

you or it becomes a crime if I lend money to you to a certain amount without security, I am a candidate for jail and it becomes criminal. “This money is not a grant. The challenge these people have been having is the challenge to comply with the requirements for them to access this fund. “That was why when we drafted the operational guidelines, we discussed with them that you are the people that are going to use this. We are using different guidelines for the entertainment industry.” He explained that NEXIM Bank had been repositioned to fulfil its mandate as reflected in its balance sheets and its intervention in key projects aimed at boosting Nigeria’s and other West Af-

rican countries’ shares in the global maritime export trade. Orya said the management’s ongoing corporate transformation programme initiated about 16 months ago had helped in repositioning the bank to play its roles as leading export-import trade financing. Specifically, the NEXIM Bank boss stated that from a very poor operational pedestal characterised by massive depletion of shareholders’ fund, worsening assets quality, non-adherence to corporate governance tenets which the new management met the bank, the ugly trend has been reversed with about N23.33bn and issued guarantees of $27.3m committed to non-oil exports financing between 2009 and August this year.

Harvest Field Church in Yelwa Tudu, Bauchi State, killing six people including a pregnant woman. Meanwhile, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Aminu Tambuwal, has described yesterday’s attack as ignoble, wicked and horrendous. In a statement issued

by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Mallam Imam Imam, the Speaker “urged the security agencies to ensure that the perpetrators of the violent act are brought to justice.” He said that the gains recorded by security agencies in their battle against terrorists in the country

in recent weeks should be built upon in order to protect the citizens at all times. Condoling with the families of the victims, Tambuwal asked Nigerians to be more prayerful and to provide useful information that would lead to the arrest of the perpetrators and their sponsors.

Suicide bomber hits Catholic church again CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

claimed at least 49 people. Several churches had been attacked in Bauchi by suicide bombers, killing several people. The last attack was on June 3, 2012 when Boko Haram suicide bombers struck at Living Faith Church (Winners Chapel) and

plained that under such arrangement, electoral fraud could never be checked. He said: “Out of the existing 62 political parties in Nigeria, 30 of them are owned by the PDP out of which just nine have functional offices in Abuja while the rest of the parties have their offices in their briefcases. “The best political system for Nigeria is a twoparty system. Such arrangement will make it difficult for rigging. There will be no need for anybody to carry ballot boxes because there won’t be such opportunity. “Touts will not have jobs and the electoral tribunal will be useless because a clear winner will emerge as was the case in 1993 general election between the Social Democratic Party, SDP, and the National Republican Convention, NRC. “The issue of merger or alliance will not arise because it is just two of them and they have different ideologies.” Nwanyawu also called for the removal of immunity clause on criminal matters and other crimes against the state for governors and others in positions of authority to that they came be made to face the law when found wanting. He noted that the problems in the Nigerian judicial system were, “a reflection of the deep rot in the nation’s political system.” “Understaffed, undermotivated and underpaid, Nigerian justices and the institutional structure they service are very open to political contamination. “They are morally and ethically compromised and dispense justice in a manner that services the rich and harms the poor, the powerless and the voice-

less,” he added. Nwanyawu asked for what had happened to the 32 case files concerning some former governors, which the ex-Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, said was pending for prosecution. “Some of these governors are now in the Senate; some are major stakeholders when in actual sense they should be in the prisons,” he said. The Director of the institute, Mr. Olalekan Odugbemi, decried the inability of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to adopt the electronic voting system. He said that the adoption would minimise electoral fraud as was practicable in some developing nations like India. According to him, “I went to India recently and I saw the electronic machine in use. I am surprised that electoral law stated that no form of electronic machine should be used in elections in Nigeria. “It is not surprising that it is only the politicians who see the reasons why electronic voting should not be used for obvious reasons.” He also noted that it was lack of ideology among the political class that made them to jump from one party to another. “I can’t imagine Bill Clinton moving from Democratic Party to Republican Party for any reason,” the chairman said. Nwanyawu commended the courage of President Goodluck Jonathan for putting on hold, the proposal by the Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Mr. Lamido Sanusi, to introduce the N5,000 note against the wishes of Nigerians.

Impeachment: Okupe warns lawmakers against unguarded comments CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

collection by members of the National Assembly may not solve the problem, but advised that a Bill be passed by both Chambers to make motions and resolutions law. “Signatures don’t give resolutions the force of law. If our resolutions and Bills are consistently ignored, then we should pass a Bill to

give them the force of law,” he added. Several motions and resolutions passed last week by the National Assembly were ignored, with some eliciting negative reactions from the Presidency, except the one on the suspended CBN’s proposal to restructure lower currencies and introduce a N5,000 note.

News

Monday, September 24, 2012

Illegal refineries, threat to Nigeria –Maku CHIDI UGWU ABUJA

llegal refining activities remain the greatest danger facing the people of the Niger Delta region in particular and the country in general. The Minister of Information, Mr. Labaran Maku, made the observation at the weekend during the ongoing Good Governance Media Tour at the headquarters of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja. The minister advised the people engaged in these unwholesome activities to stop, adding that the destruction of Nigeria’s pipelines as well as pollution of the environment posed great

danger to the country. He said: “If these communities do not stop illegal refineries, if they do not stop the destruction of pipelines and the pollution of the environment, the greatest danger to the people of Niger Delta and indeed our nation, because they are our people, is going to come from those illegal activities. “We cannot solve the problem of refining by illegal refineries; government has a robust policy to refine our oil. So it is a positive infrastructure that Mr. President is trying to put in place, and I believe once that is done, we are going to have that problem solved. “So it is in the interest of those communities and our nation that we never look at illegal refineries as a solution to the downstream sector of the econ-

omy.” Maku, who spoke while reacting to issues of the illegal refineries in the Niger Delta region, noted that the tour was meant to seek best practices among the people in positions of authority and use them as examples to others. He described the Commander General of the NSCDC, Dr. John Ade Abolurin, as a focused and honest leader who has shown exemplary prudence in management of resources. The NSCDC boss guided the media team through the complex, showcasing a number of projects executed within the last two years, including the block for Counter Terrorism and Insurgency, Civil Defence Academy Block, fish ponds, dog kennel, explosives detectors dogs, In-

formation and Technology, ICT, Department, sports arena, and auditorium, among others. He said the construction of all the projects took place between 2005 and 2010 and that all the projects put together did not cost more than N1.5bn. Abolurin, who called on FCT Administration to allocate more land to the agency for further expansion, noted that a special unit had been set up to fight terrorism, saboteurs, pipeline vandals and other forms of criminal activities. He said: “This special unit is trained to serve in the air, sea and land. They (members of the unit) have received training in Israel, America and other parts of the world. This is part of the budgetary allocation and we have to showcase them.”

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Airk Air records low passenger turnout as flights resume OLUSEGUN KOIKI

fter the grounding of its flight operations by the aviation unions and the subsequent intervention from the Federal Government, Arik Air yesterday resumed operations as promised on Saturday, but without the usual high level of patronage by passengers. The airline, with 23 aircraft in its fleet commenced the flight operations of the day at the General Aviation Terminal (GAT) of the Murtala Mohammed Airport (MMA), Lagos with departures to Abuja. The resumption of the airline reduced the pressure on of Aero and IRS airlines, which operate flight services from the Murtala Mohammed Airport Two (MMA2), Lagos as passengers of the airline who had hitherto besieged both airlines’ flight desk moved to GAT to catch flights on learning that Arik was back. However, many of Arik’s flights departed without the usual full complements of passengers and some of the flights were operated almost empty. The airline management

led by its Managing Director, Mr. Chris Ndulue had on Saturday informed that the airline would recommence opeartiosn after the intervention from the Secretary to the Federation, Senator Pius Anyim Pius. The image maker of the airline, Mr. Ola Banji, confirmed the return of the airline to flight operations to our correspondent, saying that there was no new development. He also said that the airline did not increase its airfares to its different destinations in the country. He said, “As we promised yesterday (Saturday) to recommence operations today (Sunday), we have fully recommence. There is no need for us to increase our airfares. For the fact that we suspended flight operations for some days does not mean we will increase the air fares.” Already, an hour flight now cost between N35,000 and N45,000 depending on the route, booking time and the airline one is flying with. At present, there are only three major airlines in the Nigerian aviation industry. The airlines are Arik Air, Aero and IRS Airlines.

Fuel scarcity persists, price rises UDEME AKPAN

L-R: Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation, Mrs. Ibukun Odusote; Director, Planning Research and Documentation, Mr. Chidi Nwandu and Director of Tourism, Mr. Johnson Odekinah, at a press briefing to mark the International Peace Day celebration in Abuja, at the weekend. PHOTO: ROTIMI OSASONA

N5,000: PDP praises Jonathan for halting CBN OBIORA IFOH ABUJA

he Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has commended President Goodluck Jonathan for reversing the planned introduction of N5,000 banknote by the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN. The National Publicity Secretary of the party, Chief Olisa Metuh, who gave the commendation in a statement, described the action as another clear indication of the responsiveness of the Jonathan administration to

the wishes of the people. He said the Federal Government had a listening ear and that the President had ,once more, demonstrated that the party’s slogan: “Power to the people,” was inviolable and that under the PDP, power really belonged to the people. Metuh said PDP would continue to anchor its policies and programmes on the needs of the people and would not relent in upholding national interest. He said: “The primary concern of the PDP is to ensure the welfare of the

generality of Nigerians. We know full well that the opinion of the people in every government policy and action matters a lot if we must achieve this cardinal premise of our manifesto. This is the essence of this decision by the President to reverse the introduction of the N5,000.” Metuh also commended members of the National Assembly for being the true representatives of the people, adding that the synergy between it and the executive was a sure way to achieve unimpeded success of the

transformation programme. He said: “The critical role of the National Assembly as the representatives of the people is tangentially commendable at this juncture. We pay a deserving tribute to the maturity of the leadership of the National Assembly, the Senate President, Sen. David Mark GCON and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Aminu Tambuwal CFR in meeting with the President and in working together with him to guarantee the best for the nation.”

he nation’s fuel scarcity has worsened as many filling stations whose operators complained of lack of petrol and other products shut their outlets to motorists in Lagos and its environs. A survey of the situation at the weekend showed that many stations did not have the products in places such as Ikorodu, Yaba, Agege, Mushin, Lagos Island and Ikeja. There were, however, long queues at the outlets that have commercial stocks of the products. The survey showed that both major and independent marketers who had the products sold at exorbitant prices, ranging between N100 and N150 per litre, to buyers who had no option than to pay the high prices. Some of the major marketers were, however, selling at normal rates as at yesterday. In all the areas visited, our correspondent did not witness the presence of government agencies, especially the Department of Petroleum Resources, DPR, expected to monitor

and enforce compliance of operators. The situation was said to be worsened by the activities of tank farmers who embarked on strike last week, calling on the government to withdraw soldiers from the premises of Integrated Oil & Gas whose Chairman, Captain Emmanuel Iheanacho, was accused of involvement in allaged oil theft. In a telephone interview, the Executive Secretary of the Jetty and Farm Tanks Owners Association of Nigeria, JEPTFON, Mr. E. B. Kanawa, said that although negotiations had started with related government agencies, the strike would continue until the soldiers were withdrawn from the premises of the company. He said: “We are still on strike, even though negotiations have started. We will continue till the issues are resolved.” He added that it was unfair for the government to forcefully occupy the premises of the oil company alleged to have been involved in crude oil theft. Kanawa said: “It is sad that this forceful occupation is taking place under a democratic government that should have respect for the rule of law.”

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Monday, September 24, 2012

South West

Monday, September 24, 2012

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Again, Lagos arrests 40 NURTW touts MURITALA AYINLA

Airlift of Oyo State pilgrims to Saudi Arabia in Lagos, yesterday

Crisis rocks Oyo TUC, members want property retrieved KEMI OLAITAN IBADAN

fresh crisis is rocking the Oyo State chapter of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), as members of the union have urged the state police commissioner to help it retrieve the property of the union in the custody of its former Chairman, Bayo Ajayi. The decision to retrieve the property followed the former chairman’s refusal to hand them over after the dissolution of his executive three months ago. The Chairman and Secretary of the Caretaker Committee of the union,

Comrades Moshood Akinade and Mathew Uanzekin respectively, in a letter addressed to the state police commissioner, dated September 17, 2012, entitled, “Request for assistance to retrieve Trade Union Congress’ property from Comrade Bayo Ajayi and his cohorts,” said the National Administrative Council of the union had on June 22, 2012 dissolved the state council and a three-man caretaker committee to steer the affairs of the union put in place. The letter said having duly notified the state government, the police and the State Security Service

OUR ERROR

(SSS) on the development, with the former chairman still holding on to the union’s property, the assistance of the police commissioner was thus sought. The union said all efforts made through personal contacts by Akinade to Ajayi to hand over the property had proved abortive, as rather than doing so, the state radio corporation (BCOS) had for several days been carying the news that “Comrade Bayo Ajayi has handed over the affairs of the Oyo State Council of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria to Comrade Mrs. Bolanle Olabode, who

T Amb. Ajuji Waziri, CON

In our publication on Friday, we erroneously referred to Alhaji M. K. Ahmed(OON) as Amb. Ajuyi Waziri (CON) and vice versa. We regret any embarrassment this may have caused the eminent Nigerians and the government of Gombe State.

Ajimobi pledges support for non-indigenes

yo State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi, has pledged his administration’s support for all non-indigenes resident in the state in order to promote peaceful co-existence. The governor gave the pledge while receiving the executive members of Ndi Eze Ndigbo led by its National President, Eze Hyacinth Nwabueze, at the Governor’s Office, Ibadan at the week-end. He said all tribes in the state would be properly

2012 Hajj: 500 pilgrims depart from Lagos OLUSEGUN KOIKI

Alh. M.K. Ahmed, OON

is a staff in the Oyo State Ministry of Economic Planning.” It said sequel to the broadcast, the union invited Olabode for a meeting on Monday, September 17, 2012, but that “she failed to show up.” It noted that the union was a registered one and not a personal property of Ajayi, stating that apart from the dissolution of the council, “Bayo Ajayi has also ceased to be an employee of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria under whose platform he was elected as chairman.”

t least 40 touts of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) were arrested across the state by the Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Enforcement unit at the weekend. The miscreants, who were found extorting money from commercial vehicles operators on the highways, were arrested from different locations including: Ojota, Oshodi, Yaba and Ojuelegba. The state government had, in its new traffic law, banned touting on the highways by members of the transport unions. Speaking with journalists, the Chairman of the task force, Bayo Sulaiman, said the touts, aged between 18 and 40, were arrested fol-

he 2012 Hajj exercise commenced at the weekend after the initial hitch it suffered on Friday due to an incident that happened to one of the aircraft designated for the exercise. At least 500 pilgrims departed from the Murtala Muhammed International Airport to observe this year’s Hajj exercise in Saudi Arabia. The pilgrims, who wore the same attire, were from Oyo State. Speaking to journalists at the Hajj Camp of the Lagos Airport, the Managing Director, Med-View Air carrier, Alhaji Muneer Bankole, said the airline,

which is designated to airlift 6, 500 pilgrims from different departure points for this year’s exercise, would operate as scheduled. Bankole said the carrier would airlift pilgrims from 16 states of the federation including Ogun, 1, 573; Oyo, 1, 565; Edo, 350; Armed Forces, 505; Ondo, Osun, Ekiti and all South-South states of the federation. He assured that the air carrier would not fail to airlift pilgrims to and from the holy land promptly, adding that there are about 18 flights from Lagos zone alone. According to him, the carrier would airlift pilgrims from Lagos, Ilorin, Maiduguri and Port Harcourt with a B747 aircraft

lowing several complaints from members of the public about their activities. Sulaiman said: “All those arrested were picked along major bus stops and not in motor parks. All road union workers have been banned from collecting tolls from bus tops, rather their operation should be limited to their motor parks. “Anyone found operating from the bus stops will be arrested and prosecuted accordingly. Meanwhile, goods seized from illegal street traders and hawkers in the state have been auctioned by the task force. Sulaiman said all goods seized from street traders in the state will not be released to them, but will be auctioned publicly after obtaining the necessary orders from the special offences court.

configured to accommodate 517 passengers and B767. His words: “The stage has been set and we are ready for the exercise and we pray to Allah to grant us a safe journey to and from Saudi Arabia. We are using B747 with the configuration for 517 people and in all the zones that we are operating; we will be using two aircraft, which have been on ground for some time now. “We have about 18 flights out of Lagos zone alone and we hope to finish on schedule.” Speaking on a hitch-free exercise, he said the 2010 and 2011 exercises were still ‘very fresh in the memories of our passengers and the officials’.

accommodated and that their well-being would be ensured through the provision of adequate security for their lives and property. Governor Ajimobi assured the visitors that his administration would promote the interest of Igbo residents in the state, whom he described as hardworking and enterprising. He added that the provision of infrastructure and a clean environment have also been given priority by his administration in order to raise the living standard of the people of the state and ensure their well-being. The governor solicited for the support of all Ndigbo in the state for his administration, pledging that a conducive atmosphere would be provided for their business to thrive. In his response, the National Secretary of the association, Eze Pampas Wahiwe, commended the Ajimobi administration for the massive infrastructural development, road rehabilitation and the maintenance of clean environment in the state. He also lauded the government for the tremendous improvement it had made in the areas of education and healthcare delivery.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

South West

Monday, September 24, 2012

How to achieve robust internal security –Dep Gov

eputy Governor of Ekiti State, Mrs. Funmi Olayinka, has observed that only good governance and adherence to separation of powers can facilitate effective internal security in Nigeria. According to her, provision of good governance to the people and practicing the principle of separation of power will rescue the nation from its self-inflicted woes. Mrs. Olayinka, in a goodwill message entitled: “Good Governance and Separation of Powers: A panacea to effective security in Nigeria,” present-

ed at the 2012 International congress of the Ireland branch of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), which held in Dullek, Ireland, said good governance is neither literary nor academic. She said: “It is, in plain language, the necessity for those on the corridor of power to provide for the greatest number of people, those things that would make them live a worthy life of satisfaction. It is to give to them an enabling

environment where they maximise their God-given potentials to achieve their life purposes without let or hindrance. Government itself is a product of the society and must always connect with the society that produces it”. Explaining that the government is the people and the people are the government, the deputy governor said there must be a flow of interaction and unbroken cord of relationship that makes the government and

its gladiators feel the burden when the people’s expectations appear not to be met by their policy thrust. Mrs. Olayinka said: “Government cannot act above the legitimate interest of the people, as any alienation or disorientation would definitely spark a string of discord and ruffle the collective feathers. “Considering this as the minimum responsibilities of government, the government is structured to prevent the monopoly of pow-

er by one single individual or institutions, after-all, absolute power corrupts absolutely. This as you all know makes the concept of separation of power irresistible in modern structure of government. “The tenet of separation of powers becomes assaulted when the people for whatever reason loses confidence in the system and resort to self-help in an attempt to provide an alternative that will guarantee their self-esteem”.

Iweala, Sanusi’s economic orientation not fit for Nigeria –Rep FEMI OYEWESO ABEOKUTA

lawmaker representing Remo Federal Constituency of Ogun State in the House of Representatives, Hon. Bukunola Buraimo, has described the Minister of Finance, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, as economists that are not good for Nigeria’s situation. Buraimo, who addressed journalists at the weekend during the empowerment programme for the people of his constituency, faulted Sanusi’s plan to introduce N5, 000 banknote to the Nigerian economy. He said Sanusi’s planned currency restructuring was anti-thesis of his cashless economic policy. The lawmaker, however, hinted that the National Assembly would no longer tolerate the “excesses of Sanusi.” Buriamo said: I always say that the likes of Sanusi and Okonjo Iweala; it’s not about where you have been schooling or that you have been at the World Bank, Nigeria is a different society; we need people that know what is wrong with their own people before they can be managed. “Okonjo Iweala could be Executive Director at the World Bank before, but I tell you, she doesn’t know what is wrong with Nigeria”.

L-R: Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi; Chairman, State Pension Commission, Mr. Oluwole Ojo and a beneficiary, Mrs. Eunice Komolafe, during the distribution of cheques to pensioners by the governor in Ado-Ekiti, at the weekend.

Railway corporation begins Lagos-Ilorin services OLUSEGUN KOIKI

he management of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has announced the commencement of the third Lagos-Ilorin-Lagos express passenger train services, which brings the frequency of the ser-

vices to six weekly. The train services increased to six last Saturday. The NRC said that the increase in the frequency of Lagos-Ilorin-Lagos express passenger train service became necessary as the Corporation records gradual increase in passenger volume on the route. The management fur-

ther explained that the increase in frequency exemplified the corporation’s quest and commitments to bringing value-added rail transport service to Nigerian commuters. An online statement signed at the weekend by the Corporation’s Public Relations Manager, Mr. Segun Esan stated that the

Ekiti 2014: Ex-Afenifere spokesman plans to get PDP ticket ABIODUN NEJO ADO EKITI

ormer Afenifere spokesman, Prince Dayo Adeyeye, at the weekend began moves to emerge the flagbearer of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the 2014 governorship election in Ekiti State, telling the party members and people that he had come to rescue them from hardship. Director General of Prince Adedayo Adeyeye Movement (PAAM), Hon Bisi Kolawole, who decried “the setback that has faced the state under the present administration,” said the

PDP aspirant was the Messiah needed to right the wrongs. Kolawole, who spoke in his acceptance speech as boss of the campaign body in Ado Ekiti, said Adeyeye contributed to the administrative strategy adopted by administration of former Governor Segun Oni. He said some of the aspirant’s creative measures in ensuring conducive learning environment in public schools in the state when he was the State Universal Basic Education chairman had been adopted by some states in the federation, especially the new designed desks and chairs.

According to him, Adeyeye is popular among members of PDP and Ekiti people. Kolawole said Adeyeye introduced storey buildings in public primary and junior secondary schools (JSS), the new designed desks and chairs, among other innovations in the education sector. The director general said his major focus was to work assiduously to ensure Adeyeye’s emergence as the flagbearer of PDP at the party primaries as well as winning the governorship election with the support of party members and the people.

first Ilorin-bound passenger train for the week will leave Iddo, Lagos tomorrow at exactly 9:00am and would return to Lagos on Wednesday. Esan said that the second express passenger train for the week leaves Iddo by 9:00am for Ilorin on Friday and returns to Lagos the following day, while the third train for the week leaves Lagos for Ilorin on Saturday by 9:00 am. The third train, he said, would depart Lagos to Ilorin on Saturday, crossing the second train at Bodija as the second train makes its return journey to Lagos from Ilorin. The third train returns to Lagos from Ilorin on Sunday. Esan said: “As the Corporation finalises arrangements to commence LagosKano-Lagos passenger train service in no distant time, it urges travellers and tourists to take advantage of the rail transport service to the fullest as the rail transport mode remains the safest, most affordable, convenient means of mobility.”

Premier medicaid bags Paris award

remier Medicaid International, a leading Health Maintenance Organisation in Nigeria under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), has received international recognition for its commitment to excellence and quality service delivery. It is one of the leading companies around the world to be formally presented with the World Quality Commitment (WQC) Award in the Gold category at the 26th International World Quality Commitment Convention scheduled to hold at the Concorde La Fayette Hotel and the Paris “Palais des Congres” Convention Hall near the Arc de Triomphe and the Champs Elysees in Paris, France on the 29th October, 2012. The annual awards are organised by Business Initiative Directions (BID),an international organisation which monitors corporations around the world for commitment to international quality standards and best practices in various sectors. In the letter of award by BID signed by its President and CEO, Jose E Prieto, the organisation said: “The award is for corporate achievement to recognise leadership, ,quality, innovation, excellence, technology, customerservice and prestige,” adding: “It is presented in recognition and encouragement of those companies and organizations in different countries of the world that further their reputation by implementing and promoting quality culture, continuous improvement and customer satisfaction as well as improving relations with employees, suppliers and all those associated with the company.”

South East

Monday, September 24, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Anambra has no oil well, says Enugu community DENNIS AGBO ENUGU

he people of Igga community in UzoUwani Local Government Area of Enugu State have protested the recent declaration of Anambra State as the 10th oil producing state in the country by President Goodluck Jona-

than. The community called on Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State to stop laying claims to the oil well they said was located on Igga land in Enugu State. In statement made available yesterday by the President of Igga Town Union, Mr. Rapheal Amuche and Secretary, Mr Joseph Enean-

ya, the community frowned at a publication credited to Obi who expressed shock at the claims by some groups and states to the oil well he said was discovered in Anambra State. The statement reads in part: “We challenge Governor Obi to produce documentary evidence that makes the present location

where oil is being produced by Orient Petroleum Resources to be in Anambra State.” The union said the oil well was located in three communities of Igga, Asaba and Ojjo, all in Uzo-Uwani Local Government. The people wondered where Obi derived his authority to usurp their land.

They noted that the National Boundary Commission was yet to come out with documentary evidence which would establish in clear terms the border lines of the communities contagious with Anambra, and called on the Federal Government to withdraw its declaration of Anambra as an oil producing state.

Additional state for South-East not negotiable –Orji GEORGE OPARA ABIA

overnor Theodore Orji of Abia State has said the creation of an additional state in the South-East was too important to be negotiated. Orji said in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Ugochukwu Emezue, that the call for new states already endorsed by South-East Governors’ Forum was not negotiable as it would help in bringing the region at par with others. The governor said though he was in the forefront of the creation of Aba State, the new state could be created from any of the five eastern states. According to him, those championing the creation of new states in the region, especially the deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, must be commended for their commitment, sacrifice and efforts in giving Ndigbo a pride of place in the country. Orji said this was one course all Ndigbo were committed to and would not rest until their dream was achieved.

Orji

L-R: Managing Director, Accolade Media, Mrs. Ginika Tor; Enugu State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Mr. Vita Abba; representative of Governor Sullivan Chime/Chief of Staff, Government House, Mrs. Ifeoma Nwobodo and Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Ozo Joe Mmamel, at the unveiling of Enugu State Cultural and Tourism Fiesta 2012 Secretariat, at the weekend.

‘This year’s Ofala Festival will be more colourful’

he Obi of Onitsha, Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe CFR, has promised that this year’s edition of the Ofala Festival would be bigger and more colourful. He said this while receiving the cheque for the sponsorship of the 2012 Ofala Festival from Globacom officials led by the company’s Divisional Director, SouthEast, Mr. Michael Ehumadu. The Obi also described the National Award of Grand Commander of the Niger, GCON, conferred on the Chairman of Globacom, Dr. Mike Adenuga Jnr., as a well-deserved honour. He said Adenuga had done a lot for the country

and deserved to be honoured. Commending Globacom for taking the ancient Ofala Festival to the next level through its sponsorship last year, the traditional ruler noted that the giant telecommunication outfit would be remembered for its role in the transformation of Onitsha and its environs. He said: “I want to formally congratulate Dr. Mike Adenuga on the National Award of GCON conferred on him by the President. Adenuga has done quite a lot for this country and the honour is well deserved. It is good that the private sector is being recognised and honoured by the nation.” The monarch added

that the 2012 Ofala Festival would be bigger as it would mark his 10th coronation anniversary as the Obi of Onitsha, pointing out that Globacom had done a lot to make the festival witness great transformation. He said; “We are happy that Globacom is partnering with us. Our intention is to anchor Onitsha on the map of culture in Nigeria. Onitsha is transforming and Globacom is part of that transformation.” Presenting the cheque, Ehumadu said the company would make the 2012 edition of the festival “more colourful and exceptional to celebrate the Obi on the 10th year on the throne of his forefathers and to appreciate the Obi and the people

of Onitsha for their support and faith in Globacom.” He promised that Globacom would introduce some innovations in this year’s festival. The 2012 Ofala Festival, which kicked off with the Iwaji, New Yam Festival, yesterday, would be rounded off on October 8 with the commissioning by Governor Peter Obi of the block of classrooms built by Globacom at the Metropolitan Secondary School, Onitsha. Other activities lined up for the festival include youth rally, seminars, health awareness campaigns, novelty football match and a royal banquet in honour of the Obi by the telecommunication company.

‘FG must release ecological funds to states now’

he Federal Government has been advised to immediately release money from the Ecological Fund to states affected by flood and other natural disasters to check further loss of lives and property.

The Secretary to the Anambra State Government, SSG, Mr. Oseloka Obaze, who made the call in an interview with journalists in Awka at the weekend, said the money would enable the affected states to support the victims as well as repair

damaged infrastructure. He said the damage done by the disasters was too severe for the states to manage alone. The SSG said there was need to construct embankment along the banks of the River Niger to avert re-

currence of flooding in the state. “We are doing our best in Anambra State to manage the ecological situation by relocating the victims and providing relief materials but it is not enough. “The challenges are

enormous; they are beyond the resources of the state. There is also need to build embankment along the bank of the Niger River. “And the ecological funds of the Federal Government are meant for such purposes,” he said.

FOI: Groups take govt to court over maternal death rate ISE-OLUWA IGE ABUJA

wo groups have applied to a Federal High Court sitting in Ikeja for a mandamus order compelling the Federal Government to disclose and make available up-to-date information on government/public spending relating to maternal death prevention in the last five years. The two Non-Governmental Organisations, NGOs, are the SocioEconomic Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP, and the Women Advocates and Research and Documentation Centre, WARDC. The groups named the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Muhammed Adoke and the Minister of Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu, as defendants in the case. The suit followed the refusal to release information on the subject-matter despite a request by the groups dated August 13 and signed by SERAP’s Executive Director, Adetokunbo Mumuni. The motion exparte with suit number FHC/ IKJ/CS/223/12 was brought pursuant to Section 20 of the Freedom of Information Act, and Order 34 of the Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules, 2009, and signed on behalf of the groups by SERAP’s Staff Attorney, Chinyere Nwafor. The organisations argued that under the FOI Act, they had “the right to request for or gain access to information which is in the custody or possession of any public official, agency or institution”. According to the groups, “the defendants/ respondents have a binding legal obligation to provide the applicants with the information requested for. The information requested for relates to the details of spending on prevention of maternal deaths for the past five years; and this information does not come within the purview of the types of information exempted from disclosure by the provisions of the FOI Act.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

South-South

Monday, September 24, 2012

Crisis looms over Shell’s attempt to sell oil bloc AMOUR UDEMUDE ASABA

here are strong indications that crisis is brewing in the 15 communities playing host to Shell Petroleum Development Company’s (SPDC) operated Oil Mineral License (OML) 34, in Delta State over an alleged attempted move by the company to sell the oil bloc in their land. According to the communities, Shell didn’t consult them before asking buyers to bid for the asset in their backyard even as they insisted that the transaction by Shell totally negates the provisions of the Nigerian Oil and Gas

Industry Content Development Act of 2010, which gave the local communities the right to have a say on oil facilities in their land. The communities under the auspices of the Association of Federated OML 34 Host Communities, Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State, warned that it is an aberration for a facility in their domain to be handed over to a new owner without their consent and vowed to resist any attempt to divert the oil bloc. In a communiqué signed by the President-General of Umolo-Olomu, Benjamin Ebite, Joseph Avwunugharogo of Eruemukohwarien, Chief Owofio of

Tax Identity Project: Delta revenue boss warns of failure AMOUR UDEMUDE ASABA

he Executive Chairman of the Delta State Board of Internal Revenue (DBIR), Mr. Joel Thomas Onowakpo, has raised the alarm over what he called the possible failure of the team handling the Federal Government Tax Identity Number (TIN) Project, for which billions of Tax Payers Money has been invested. Onowakpo, who expressed his fears yesterday in an e-mail he sent to members of the Joint Tax Board (JTB) following the removal of a critical member of the team and a copy obtained from an impeccable source in JTB by our correspondent, quickly called on President Goodluck Jonathan to put all other things on hold and allow the acting chairman

Gov Uduaghan

and the project team to deliver the project before being disbanded otherwise, the country will risk losing billions of taxpayers’ money already invested. According to the mail which read in part: “I have read all your comments on the movement of Chinedu, but I have not seen any comment relating to the impact this will have on the TIN Project. “Let me give a quick recap, few months ago, the Chairman of JTB left the scene, today Chinedu is out. When the chairman left, we had an acting chairman who understands the dreams and aspiration of the out gone chairman as it relates to the TIN project. “As you are aware, there are advertorials already for the recruitment of a new chairman, my fear is that, assuming the recruitment did not favour the acting chairman, be rest assured, we will run into a managerial succession crisis which can be avoided by giving the acting chairman time to complete the reforms and clear the table for the incoming chairman. “Please think and let us act to save the billions of tax payers’ money so far expended by acting against unnecessary movements.”

Effurun-Otor, Moses Amrefere of Erhiephihor and other president-generals of the host communities, specifically resolved that any attempt to force the new operator on them without resolving the contentious issues on ground shall be resisted by all lawful means.

They insisted that there are a lot of issues to be addressed by Shell before any diversion, including whose responsibility it is for environmental degradation suffered by the host communities for the past 50 years of oil exploration by Shell as well the lingering problem of un-

acquired, but already being occupied assets, the expired leases and rents that have been pending, some of which are now under litigations. The people queried why Shell has to inform them only after the divestment process stressing that “What made SPDC and by

extension NNPC (their JV partner) believe that the landlord has no interest or capacity to acquire the divested asset that they were not given any opportunity to bid adding that the OML 34 is critical to improved power supply as being pursued by President Goodluck Jonathan.

Members of the Coalition of Swamp/Coastal Communities of Bayelsa and Delta States protesting against the Niger Delta Development Commission at Egbemo-Angalabiri in Bayelsa State, at the weekend.

Bayelsa communities threaten to invade SPDC facilities EMMA GBEMUDU YENAGOA

ggrieved Foutorogbene communities in Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State have threatened to invade the facilities of the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) in the area to disrupt its operations due to an oil spill that claimed the lives of five children in May this year. To this end, the three Foutorogbene communities yesterday handed a seven-day ultimatum to the Anglo-Dutch giant to resolve the issue or be prepared for a show down. They regretted that the spill was abandoned by the firm to the detriment of the communities, noting that officials of SPDC allegedly visited the area on September 6, to clean up the spill and conduct a Joint Investigation Report (JIV) on the said spill. Speaking on behalf of the three communities, Youth Chairman of Foutorogbene 1, Mr. Preye Warri, who spoke in an interview with National Mirror yesterday in Yenagoa, said the dead children were between three months and three years old.

According to Warri, the children were identified as Arekedoumene Pigha, Blessing Adiboere,Tabode Owei, Debowei Timiebi and Debowei Pereotu. His words: “The Children died due to the delay by the SPDC to clean up of the spill. “SPDC officials, after months of delay that resulted in death and destruction of economic activities in the communities, made a controversial appearance in the communities for JIV inspection on the 6th of September, 2012. “We view the visit of SPDC officials to our communities as worthless, barbaric, full of insensitivity and an embarrassment to the communities and families of the deceased kids as they were carelessly left to die.” “The incident happened over five months ago. What were they waiting for? They waited until the flooding from the recent rains have ravaged our communities and washed the oil in the water surface and cover the weeds, grasses and the entire land. “What do they expect to see? After, all the water is not stagnant and the action of the SPDC is a complete mockery of the com-

munities.” “It is more insulting that the SPDC officials came with heavy military squad to intimidate the communities and refused to carry out a proper survey on how the communities were affected by the spill. SPDC’s

argument was a blind and worthless one. Warri alleged that SPDC antics were a show of its contempt for the affected communities, describing it as a conspiracy and tactics applied to evade its responsibilities.”

Vice-President inaugurates multi-billion naira projects

ice President Namadi Sambo, at the weekend, inaugurated development projects worth billions of naira in Akwa Ibom State. The projects are the new accountant-general’s office, the third ring road and a fourth flyover in Uyo, the second pipe jacking underground drainage in Abak and Ikot Ekpene city centre plaza. At the Accountant-General’s Office, Uyo, Governor Godswill Akpabio said by 2015, Akwa Ibom would become New Akwa Ibom while Uyo will become New Uyo due to the radical transformation going on in the state. The governor pointed out that the commissioning of office of the accountantgeneral serves as a point of contact to other sub-treasuries in the various local government areas of the state,

saying workers would work with ease in the new offices. He applauded the state civil service for collaborating with the government in the implementation of its policies and programmes, calling for more support. Akpabio appealed to the vice president to assist in ensuring that the Federal Government refund money used in saving Abak-Uyo Road from collapse, remarking that the inauguration shows there was hope for Akwa Ibom. The state AccountantGeneral, Udo H. Isobara, thanked the governor for his approval of a new office for the accountant-general and for the provision of 400 computer sets for the office. Isobara said the N250 million project comprised of five open apartments and 16 other offices with internet facility.

North

Monday, September 24, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

2015: Bafarawa holds talks with Buhari

•Canvasses North’s unity A ZA MSUE KADUNA

ormer Sokoto State Governor, Attahiru Bafarawa at the weekend in Kaduna held talks with the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) presidential candidate in the last general elections, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, saying the North should unite ahead of the 2015 poll. Bafarawa said he was worried over division

among Northerners, saying he came to visit Gen. Buhari to chart a new path for the region ahead of the 2015 general elections. Bafarawa, who was Sokoto State governor between 1999 and 2007 on the All Peoples Party (APP) platform, said: “I didn’t come as a member of the ANPP to visit Gen. Buhari, and I did not come to see him on the ground of his own party, Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), I came to him to dis-

cuss in order to chart the way forward on how we can unite ourselves in the North because the North is in disarray, therefore, we need to unite since we are masters of all trade when you talk of political activities in the North. “All the political parties in the country can be found in the North. So, we have to concentrate and put our house in order. That is why I have come to see my brother, Gen. Buhari on how we can unite ourselves before we even talk of political parties. I

came to see Gen. Buhari as an elder brother and partner in progress in order to move the Northern region forward. “I think there is solution to our disunity in the North because before now, discussions towards achieving unity have been based on political parties, but I came to visit Gen. Buhari on personal ground to discuss the way forward for our people. “I think everybody is going to drop his political ambition for now until the time comes because what

Protesters with the effigy of the United States President, Barack Obama over the anti-Islam film in Katsina State, yesterday.

Protest in Katsina over anti-Islam film, cartoon JAMES DANJUMA KATSINA

rotesters yesterday in Katsina State burnt the effigy of United States President Barack Obama over recent anti-Islam movie and cartoon that were released in the United States and France respectively. The protesters, mostly of the Muslim Shiite sect, stormed the streets on the platform of the Islamic on platform of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) and tore US, French and Israeli flags. Many of the protesters, including women, clothed in black veils, elderly men, youths and children, carried placards inscribed with abusive words. The protest, which began at the Katsina Central Mosque, moved into the heart of the metropolis

before returning to where it first began. Before the protest, security was beefed up in some parts of the metropolis, particularly streets where the protesters were bound to pass as way of preventing breakdown of law and order. Our correspondent noted that several security men, including those in mufti, were seen following the protesters from a respectful distance, while others were stationed at strategic street corners. The protest is coming about 24 hours after similar one took place in neighboring Kano State, where many Muslims condemned the film and cartoon that had allegedly denigrated Islam. Speaking shortly after the protest, the Katsina State leader of the Shiite group, Sheik Yakubu

Yahaya, said the cartoon and movie were aimed at making a “mockery of the tenets and beliefs of Islam,” and that same was a move to “institutionalise September 11 (2001) event as an annual ritual to portray Islam as a religion of terrorists.” Sheik Yahaya said: “Our beloved Prophet Muhammed (SAWA) is a Prophet for all Muslim nations, irrespective of ethnicity, race and geographical boundaries. It is therefore incumbent for all Muslims and right thinking people to express their anger without violence to life and property.” He called on the protesters not to take law into their own hands as the demonstration was directed at the West and those behind the anti-Islam cartoon and movie. Sheik Yahaya said: “Is-

lam is a religion of peace, but that members of the faith will continue to make their grievances known to the world as long as some people continue to publish sacrilegious content in the media about Islam and its founder.” He, however, said Christians should not see the protest as a threat against them but against what he described as “tyranny from the Western world.”

Katsina State Governor Ibrahim Shema

is most important now is our unity. The people will decide the next political direction when the time comes. “Our strategy is that we will take our time, plan things and see how we can come out. And like I said, I have come to see him, so

I will not tell you the further strategy we will take, but this visit is a step forward. What we are looking out for now is unity; we are not talking of CPC, ANPP or any other political party. All we are after is to see that the North is united.”

Flooding: FRSC plans to shut Lokoja-Abuja Highway •Red Cross deploys three boats to rescue flood victims

he Nigeria Red Cross Society said yesterday that it had deployed three boats to Ibaji Local Government Area of Kogi State to rescue trapped flood victims taking refuge on tree tops. Chairman of the state branch of the Society, Mr. Mustafa Allah-Dey, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lokoja that the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) released the boats for the rescue operations. Nustafa said that men of the Nigerian Navy and officials of NEMA, SEMA and the state Ministry of Environment were also involved in the operations, adding that many of the victims were said to be in life threatening situations. He said the people should be blamed for their present predicament because they failed to heed several warnings to quit their houses to avoid being trapped. The chairman said he did not have the figure of

exact number of people trapped and that no report of casualties had been received as at the time of this report. He described the situation in Ibaji as “very terrible.” Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) said it planned to shut the LokojaAbuja highway as a result of the flood that has ravaged the road. Deputy Corps Public Education Officer, Bisi Kazeem, in a text message last night said the step became inevitable as the road has almost become impassable. Kazeem advised motorists to avoid the road completely and ply alternative routes for their safety. The traffic gridlock on Lokoja-Abuja Road has become more chaotic with vehicles forming long queues on both sides of the road. The queue at the Lokoja end of the road has extended to Obajana village, about 15 kilometers drive to the Lokoja city centre.

Ahmed warns students against cultism WOLE ADEDEJI ILORIN

overnor Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara State has warned students to be conscious of the severe law of the state against cultism. Speaking during a meeting with the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) in Ilorin, Governor Ahmed said his administration would implement the state edict on the menace of cultism. He said apart from risk going to jail, any student caught in cultism would be expelled from school. The governor assured the students of his determination to invest in education through the provision of adequate infrastructure and necessary incentives.

Stressing that the state government’s anti-cultism crusade remains resolute, Ahmed said: “The law on cultism will take its full course as we cannot fold our arms and allow cultism in our schools because it ruins lives”. The governor advised the students not to be overwhelmed by youthful exuberance, saying: “This is the time to define your future, identify your role model and burn as many candles as possible to get your goals. The more serious you are in school the better you come out and start life easily”. Responding, the students’ leader Mr. Sakir Akorede, promised the support of his colleagues to the realisation of the government’s policies.

Monday, September 24, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Politics

Budget: Reps’ bark without bite

COUNTDOWN TO

ONDO GUBER POLL October 20, 2012

DAYS TO GO

AYODELE OJO

head of the October 20 governorship poll in Ondo State, the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) candidate, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu, has said that Governor Olusegun Mimiko will lose the allimportant election because

Mimiko has nothing to show for huge allocation, says Akeredolu • ‘Gov has lost October 20 poll’ he has nothing to show despite hundreds of billions of naira that have accrued to his government. Speaking with journalists in Lagos at the weekend in company of his running mate, Dr. Paul Akintelure, Akeredolu, urged the Labour Party (LP) candidate, Mimiko, to start packing out of the Government House because of his imminent loss at the poll.

Akeredolu, who said he is optimistic that he would win the election, said: “He (Mimiko) has lost the election. He can never win because he has nothing, absolutely nothing, to show to the people as achievement in the past three years. “Mimiko is out of the minds of the Ondo State people who are only waiting for the Election Day to see him off. Mimiko has

no project to open except markets which he has been building inside the bush. This is purely the responsibility of the local government. Nobody goes there in most of the places. He builds town halls, with no impact to the people.” Akeredolu also hinged his optimism of winning the election on “the clamour of the people for positive change,” saying

the people of the state deserve a new government that would show greater concern for their plight. “The rural areas in Ondo have been neglected totally for too long, my government will open up all the rural areas in Ondo,” he pledged. The former Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) President noted that Mimiko has not been able to complete a single road since he came into office. “He has started one or two roads, but has not been able to complete any. I know he will not complete them; I shall complete the roads when by the grace of God, I have been elected,” he said. Speaking on the unemployment situation in Ondo, Akeredolu stated that the situation is becoming worrisome due to poor

leadership the Mimiko government is offering the state. On the crowd at Mimiko’s rallies, Akeredolu dismissed the trend, which he said is not the reflection of his acceptance. His words: “We are not perturbed by this because civil servants are forced to attend. Some are induced but people will still vote according to their conscience. You will see the result of the election from Owo.” On allegation that he was handipicked as the candidate of the ACN, Akeredolu said: “I was not handpicked by anybody. The process that produced my candidature cannot be faulted.” He also debunked allegations that the ACN was planning to rig the poll, insisting that it had no machinery with which to do so.

Benue group plans to celebrate Suswam FELIX NWANERI

Kano State governor, Dr. Rabiu Kwankwaso and Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, during a meeting in Abuja, yesterday.

Ondo: PDP berates gov over plan to probe Agagu HAKEEM GBADAMOSI AKURE.

he Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State has berated Governor Mimiko over his plan to institute a probe panel against former Olusegun Agagu administration ahead of the October 20 governorship poll. The party in a statement issued by its Director of Publicity, Ayo Fadaka, said the probe was coming on the heel of Agagu’s support for PDP in the forthcoming election. The party described the probe as a belated one. Fadaka said Agagu’s administration as one of

the best in the state, pointing to many life-changing projects initiated by the administration of the former governor. He said: “Agagu is widely respected across the state because of the many legacies that his administration bequeathed to the state while he was in power and it is of essence to say that they were all projects that were of direct relevance to the lives of the people. “The party is proud of him. It is equally important to declare that our campaigns have been greatly accentuated by these achievements while the Mimiko campaigns have only given excuses for its inability to

perform in office.” He stated that the party will not be intimidated by any probe, saying Agagu remains confident as he did not soil his hands while in office and will not be scared by any attempt to smear his reputation. “The people of this state have since appreciated the fact that the Agagu administration managed our resources so effectively that he even left N38 billion in the central account of the state and another N20 billion in the accounts of ministries, parastatals and agencies of government, a sum the Mimiko administration has not been able to account for till date.

“Since the inauguration of this administration, it has made over N570 billion and in spite of that, Mimiko has plunged the state into debt, thereby making nonsense of the solvency status he inherited. “It is a known fact that functionaries of the Mimiko administration have at various times been summoned by the EFCC for questioning on issues of corruption; the issue of the OSOPADEC Chairman, Debo Ajimuda is still in court while all the local government chairmen have at various times answered questions on how the finances of their councils are being managed,” he said.

he Benue Youths in Diaspora Association has said that it had concluded plans to host the governor of the state, Gabriel Suswam to a civic reception to celebrate his numerous achievements and most recently, the National Honour of Commander of the Order of Niger (CON) conferred on him by President Goodluck Jonathan. The group in a statement signed by its presidentgeneral, Comrade Philip Agbese, said the reception has become necessary as the governor has remained committed to the ideals of governance in the state and should be encouraged to do more for the people of the state. Agbese maintained that the National Honour on the governor is a further testimony to the excellent leadership and visibility of

the Suswam-led administration in Benue State. He said: “I want to authoritatively confirm to you that the celebration of the award on our governor cannot end in good number of years to come because it is a true reward for visible achievements and quality leadership which Governor Suswam has provided in the overall interest of Benue State. “The President should be commended for doing a thorough research as the father of this nation to fish out golden fishes like Governor Suswam for this year’s National Honour as a way of showcasing rare patriots who have achieved for nation and humanity.” He added that the idea of hosting the governor will afford members of the Benue community outside the state to laud one of their own and officially congratulate him and his family on his indelible footprints.

Politics

Monday, September 24, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Budget: Reps’ bark without bite Since 2000, the Houses of Representatives have threatened to impeach successive presidents over their poor implementation of budgets. And for all it takes, the executive arm of government has continued to ignore the lawmakers and forge on with ‘business as usual’. TORDUE SALEM writes on the development.

he House of Representatives will this week begin oversight of ministries, departments and agencies of government to “ascertain the level of their implementation of the 2012 Budget”. The House had in July, before its annual recess that lapsed on September 18, threatened to sanction the Presidency as one of its resolutions, if the budget was not implemented to a satisfying percentage on their resumption. A few days to their return, the House issued a memo directing its committees to go to ministries, see what was implemented of the budget and lay their reports before the House for debate and necessary action at the plenary. The House Deputy Leader, Hon. Leo Ogor, on behalf of the Speaker, Hon. Aminu Tambuwal, in a statement, directed the 90 committees of the House to order ministries, departments and agencies, to within 14 days, submit precise percentages of their respective budgets. The reports of the committees were expected to be turned in at the plenary to allow the House to decide on its threat to oust President Goodluck Jonathan. The letter read in part: “The Honourable Speaker hereby requests all committees of the House to conduct a thorough appraisal of the status of implementation of the 2012 appropriation act before resumption of the House recess on September 18. “In this regard, you are to request all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) that you oversight to submit the status of all releases of funds, how much has been accessed, contracts awarded and general implementation status of the 2012 Appropriation Act.” The leadership of the House added: “The above requested information should, after collation, be submitted to the office of the House Leader on or before September 18, 2012. You are to ensure strict compliance, as the information collated will form the basis of the decisions of the House on resumption.” But as a sign that the ever-receding chamber would swallow its words, nothing of such was listed on the Order Paper as business of the day when it resumed plenary. The House would instead go through another round of threats and tough talking, as lawmaker after lawmaker decried the attitude of the Presidency to budgets. The resolution was that the executive needed to put a hold on its 2013 budget proposal until the oversight exercise was

Jonathan

Tambuwal

POOR IMPLEMENTATION OF BUDGETS WOULD CONTINUE TO DOG

THE COUNTRY... UNTIL

HOUSE AND THE ENTIRE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY PICKS UP

THE

THE GAUNTLET AND MATCH WORDS WITH ACTION concluded. The House passed the resolution last Thursday after it dismissed the Mid-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) presented to both chambers of the National Assembly by the executive two weeks ago. The decision in plenary followed a briefing where the spokesman of the House, Hon. Zakari Muhammed, stressed that until the issues on the contentious 2012 Budget were sorted out, the House won’t touch the budget. He said: “Until we are through with all the issues (on the 2012 Budget), the 2013 budget will not be an issue for now.” The House also began officially its oversight on all ministries, departments and agencies of government to ascertain the level of implementation of the 2012 Budget. Some of the committees, notably committees on Finance and Appropriation had begun their work immediately. Other committees like the National Planning and Legislative Budget were also in closed-door meetings with agencies of government. But before it took its decision to stop the presidency from bringing its 2013 Budget proposals, the House tore to pieces the executive’s MTEF before it. Principal officers and chairmen of strategic committees took turns to criticise the MTEF and dismissed it as unimplementable and in

gross violation of sections 30 and 33 of the Fiscal Responsibility Act. Opposition leader, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, besides dismissing the document for violating the Fiscal Responsibility Act, faulted the budgeting process by the president. He decried that over the years, the executive arm of government has continued to violate section 162 of the constitution, which stresses that all revenues must go to the Federation Account. His words: “The executive arm of government has continued to short-change Nigerians by creating different accounts in which parts of what accrues from crude sale goes to. And this is in gross violation of section 162 of the 1999 Constitution.” Hon. Emmanuel Jime said that the only solution to the poor budgeting system by the president would be for the National Assembly to assert itself and take charge of the appropriation process. His words: “This is an opportunity for the House to assert itself and take over the budget writing responsibility. We are constitutionally empowered to do so. We must send a message to the executive arm that the process where they sit there and make faulty, unrealistic and deficient budgets is over.” Earlier, the Speaker, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, had declared that the House would suspend its sittings for one week to mandate its 90 standing committees to investigate the percentage of implementation of the 2012 Budget by every agency and ministry. The Speaker reiterated the House’s dissatisfaction with the non-implementation of budgets by the executive, saying: “In the course of the week, a day will be set aside to deliberate in plenary session, the level of budget implementation as collated by the various committees. “Budget in Nigeria has become a yearly ritual. The Appropriation Act is observed more in breach than execution. It is time to remind us all that the Appropriation Act is a law passed by the National Assembly and assented to by the President. It is not a document of convenience to be executed as officials deem necessary. According to Tambuwal, “it is a solemn legal commitment of government to

intervene in various areas of need of our people. It is the instrument of infrastructural and economic development. The budget allocates resources and guides governmental activities in a given year. When this House insists on budget implementation by the executive, it is never meant to witch-hunt anybody.” The Speaker said the House was pushing for the implementation of Appropriation Act, because “budget implementation is the only way Nigerians can feel the direct impact of government in their daily lives. Our people have given us a clear mandate to represent them and advance their interest. We are resolved to fulfil the terms of that contract, and to do so with integrity and honour. “We cannot continue to pay lip service to the idea of a better Nigeria, rid of twin evils of poverty and disease. However, what do we show our people at the end of our tenure as our achievements? In what specific ways can we show our people that we have contributed to their economic, social and political well-being? “Can we in good conscience go back to our people after four years to ask for yet another mandate, if we are unable to show what we have done? This is the challenge facing us as elected representatives.” He said the decision of the Presidency to monitor performance of ministries, departments and agencies was in tune with a long-held conviction of the House, adding: “May I also acknowledge the performance contract initiated by Mr. President to regulate the conduct of ministers. This performance contract is a vindication of our position and resolution on budget implementation. With specific reference to the 2012 budget, we have asked all committees of the House to collate information on the level of funding and implementation by various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAS).” The decision of the House is hardly new though. The House, under the former Speaker, Dimeji Bankole, did the same thing. Bankole had in August 2008, directed all committees to go on a thorough assessment of the implementation of budget by MDAs. He even warned them not to embark on the mission using the vehicles supplied by the ministries, departments and agencies. The outcome of that inquisition was dismal, but irate members were gagged and nobody lifted a finger of impeachment. Bankole would repeat the ritual in 2010, with the same results and the same reaction. Despite several and spirited efforts by Speaker after Speaker and House after House, the same results of poor implementation of budgets would continue to dog the country and its long-suffering people, until the House and the entire National Assembly picks up the gauntlet and match words with action. Political analysts wonder why the National Assembly continues in a ritual that have over the years been motion without movement, believing that the present attempt at bringing the executive to order over budget implementation is nothing but an exercise in futility, like the past experiences.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Views

Monday, September 24, 2012

The return of Lagos bad boys HeartBeat

CALLISTUS

OKE

Callistusoke@nationalmirroronline.net 08054103275 (SMS ONLY)

e now witness a disturbing trend of sharp upward spin in the rate of crimes and criminalities in Lagos State, particularly the mainland. After the horrendous Sunday September 9 Rambo-like serial armed robberies that underlined the new pattern, several armed bandit strikes across the mainland have cast a menacing pall of fears over the state. In Ketu, for example, people no longer sleep with their two eyes closed. Only the gallantry of men and officers of Alapere Police Station have reasonably checked the excesses of these bad boys. Ketu Police Station has not shown enough will power to confront these bad boys. The new wave of crimes has coincided with the ban of agbero, that is National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) uniformed ‘commission collectors’, who operate in motor parks and on the major highways to collect ‘commissions’ from commuter vehicles by the new state traffic law. The coincidence might amount to nothing, but social science pays

wonder if Ogun State governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, has caught the slumberbug, the sleeping-on-duty sickness that afflicts political office holders. Methinks the development of decaying Sango-Ota, the commercial industrial nerve centre of the state, should be the yardstick to judge an active governor. Ogun electorate voted in Amosun’s ACN, believing that the progress report in neighbouring ACN Lagos would be replicated in their state. Ota LGA with the neighbouring Ifo LGA, constitutes the largest population in Ogun State; surprisingly it has no evidence of Amosun’s media wonder development reports. Going by President Goodluck Jonathan’s counsel a few days ago to vote out incompetent and non-performing politicians and parties, including apparently the purposeless PDP, Ota electorate should be ready to use their population advantage henceforth to make decisive changes in the governance of the state. When within two weeks of assuming power 16 months ago, Governor Amosun trekked from Sango Toll Gate through desolate Ilo Awela road to Ota LGA secretariat, the people rejoiced that a masses’ governor has arrived at last. The subsequent reduction of the refuse mountain on Sango Expressway was seen as signal of the good times. Commuters sighed with relief that the agony of bad roads was ending, and daily death toll on Toll Gate-Ilo Awela intercession would also end soon. Motorists, whose vehicles had been damaged beyond repairs by bad roads in Iyesi, Ilogbo and Sango, etc., started savings to put their vehicles back on the road. Why?

serious attention to it as a discreet variable in any research. Do I hear you say hogwash? There may not be scientific proof of this assertion, yet many Lagosians find as uncanny the coincidental surge in armed banditry at a time the new traffic law came into force. I have sounded out sociologists, criminologists and even police officers on the issue. One common strand in their arguments is that there is a likely positive correlation between the upsurge in crime rate in Lagos and the coming into force of the new traffic law! Intellectualizing the new crime trend, my sociologist friend posited that people are naturally bound to society and support its morality, when in their estimation, they feel they have everything to gain from such support. He further argued that countries where social safety nets exist to reasonably cater for the needs of the people, especially the most vulnerable, and take a further step to put in place social mechanisms for their self actualization, then the people will appreciate this gesture by refraining from criminalities. However, it is the natural order of things that evil and good coexist in the same way that law and lawlessness contest for the will of the people. The progress man has attained so far since prehistoric era to now become a more responsible social being is made possible by his demonstrable will power to overcome his bestial instincts and the submission to the imposition of the preference of the society on

HOWEVER, IT IS THE NATURAL ORDER OF THINGS THAT EVIL AND GOOD COEXIST IN THE SAME WAY THAT LAW AND LAWLESSNESS CONTEST FOR THE WILL OF THE PEOPLE him through socialization process. But this super progress has not detracted from the fact that inherent in all men is still a residue of some of the bestial instincts. Before you shout rubbish, let me ask you this question. Why do you submit to anger in spite of your humane predilections? Why do you look back with remorse for all negative tendencies exhibited by you from time to time? And why would any normal person surrender to the impulse to murder a fellow person? Now you can guess why I feel Lagos bad boys resorted to the deployment of their bestial instincts, which had been kept in check before now because the society offered them access to means of sustenance in the form of agbero job. All these rising cases of violent robberies, bag snatchings, stick ups etc could be their way to hit back

at the society, which in their imagination, no longer cares for them. In past articles I warned on the dangers of the socio-political alienation of Nigerians, especially the most vulnerable. Specifically, I have drawn attention to the consequences of using the instrumentality of state institutions to exacerbate the miserisation of poor Lagosians in the drive for mega city status. Law making process is more complex than we imagine. In the same manner it has become imperative to carry out an environmental impact assessment (EIA) on a proposed project to reasonably appreciate the possible positive or negative impact the project might have on the physical and social environments, a proposed law should also follow the same procedure. Studies have shown that two sets of societal characteristics influence the level of crime in any society. The first is the degree of relative deprivation, and the second the degree of cohesiveness in social relations among citizens. The breakdown of traditional family ties has meant that people have had to live only from the sweat of their labour. For the agbero now out of job, the raw courage they had deployed to make money from commuter drivers, they might have now turned on the people. The anti-poor laws that our various governments have been recently rolled out will push many more people into the nation’s criminality industry. Since we have sown the wind, we should be ready to reap the whirlwind.

Amosun, ACN and the decay of Ota The potholes and canyons on Ilo Awela dualised link road from Toll-Gate gateway to the state and to international border of Republic of Benin had been under perpetual repair for six years by OGROMA, the state’s road maintenance agency set up by Gbenga Daniel administration. Daniel said he neglected Ota LGA because most residents work in and pay their tax to Lagos only for Abeokuta royal father to cry out over derelict roads and infrastructure deficit in the state capital. But for Pastor David Oyedepo’s Winners’ Church that spent millions to repair Ilo Awela and many other roads leading out of Iyesi, it would have been tons of regrets for property owners that escaped the harsh Tinubu-Fashola estate investment clime in Lagos. Amosun’s showmanship one-kilometer road trek in June last year is yet to yield desired result. It was learnt that about 200 houses standing on the right of way might have to give way for the dualization of the road for easy access to Lagos. It was also speculated that the same Ota idols that stopped Daniel would stop Amosun. Primary and secondary education is still in shambles while government shows more interest in sharing free text books and exercise books instead of building more schools and refurbishing dilapidated ones. My visit to Iyesi High School years ago revealed a piteous spectacle. I saw a high school with no classroom windows and no doors, even for the headmaster and teachers. My trip to the school was completed on foot after the car got terrified of mud and pothole and the commercial motorcyclist winked and hissed on impassable floods.

AMOSUN SHOULD TAKE TUTORIALS

LAGOS GOVERNOR BABS FASHOLA ON HOW FROM

TO MAKE MONEY

Roadmap SONI EHI

ASUELIMEN

soniasuelimen@yahoo.com, 08023459055 (SMS ONLY)

FROM INDUSTRIES BY PROVIDING INFRASTRUCTURE All the alternative six link roads to Lagos from Ota LGA are in shambles, causing heavy traffic jam at pothole-filled Toll Gate. Iyesi road links Lagos direct through Ile Epo, Kolington, Ipaja and Abule Egba through impassable roads. Sango road links Ogba, Lagos-Ibadan expressway, Ikorodu road, etc., if the derelict near-Sango link bridge is upgraded to redirect traffic and free Abule Egba congestion. Lagos State has completed its own portion of another road linking Ile-Epo and Kolington, and waiting for sleepy Ogun State government to complete its own portion. Derelict Atan-Agbara road in Ogun links industrial Agbara Estate, which links Mile-2, Okokomaiko, and Badagry and Seme border with the Republic of Benin. Daniel made inroad to expand property development, which Amosun should consolidate to make Ogun a property investment haven. Amosun’s neglect industrial town of Ota is amazing. All roads in Ota industrial

estate, housing big industrial giants are impassable. Yet Ogun government expects them to pay tax willingly. Amosun should take tutorials from Lagos Governor Babs Fashola on how to make money from industries by providing infrastructure. Amosun’s owambe cap gives impression, rightly or wrongly, of lackadaisical governance. The other day, census officials were in Iyesi for possible tenement rate assessment, as in Lagos, but were told to expect battle because Ogun government has not provided roads, culverts, drains, electricity transformers, markets, sound public schools, roads, not to mention pipe borne water, police station or health institution. All the transformers, electricity poles and cables in Iyesi town were provided by landlords, the roads and drains constructed by private landlord efforts. Send your views by mail or sms to PMB 10001, Ikoyi, or our Email: mail@ nationalmirroronline.net mirrorlagos@ yahoo.com or 08164966858 (SMS only). The Editor reserves the right to edit and reject views or photographs. Pseudonyms may be used but must be clearly marked as such.

Editorial

Monday, September 24, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

All the Facts, All the Sides A PUBLICATION OF GLOBAL MEDIA MIRROR LTD BARRISTER JIMOH IBRAHIM, OFR PUBLISHER

STEVE AYORINDE

MD/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

YELE AKINROLABU

ED OPERATIONS

SEYI FASUGBA

DAILY EDITOR

BOLAJI TUNJI

SUNDAY EDITOR

GBEMI OLUJOBI

SATURDAY EDITOR

LANRE OYETADE

GENERAL EDITOR

DOZIE OKEBALAMA

COORDINATOR, EDITORIAL BOARD

ADESOYE ADEKOYA

CONTROLLER, PRODUCTION

CALLISTUS OKE

EDITORIAL PAGE EDITOR

ISE-OLUWA IGE

ABUJA BUREAU CHIEF

KAYODE BALOGUN JNR

SM, STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT

FRANK OBOH

HEAD, GRAPHICS

Questionable derivation funds utilization

he 13 Per Cent Derivation Fund is unarguably the most profound concession given by the Federal Government to oil bearing states in the country since 1966. One of the long drawn grouses of oil endowed communities and people of the Niger Delta region is the long government negligence of the challenges of life-threatening ecological hazards and the deterioration of health and social fabrics they grapple with as a result of oil exploration activities. The concomitant result had been socio-political tension which culminated in violent communal crises, youth restiveness, and brutal state repression, especially under military rule. The 13 per cent derivation principle, it may be said, represents part of FG’s political efforts to redress the age-long negligence. The intended objective had been that the fund would be used to ameliorate the distressing conditions of the people and the environment in the host communities, to help address their grudges, bitterness negative perception and restiveness. In reality, however, what seems to be on ground is a perversion of the principle, going by reports that the fund was being misapplied by most governors of the benefitting states. There are eight oil producing states in the country namely: Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta, Edo, Imo,

GOVERNORS DO NOT NEED THE RMAFC CHAIRMAN TO TELL THEM THAT SUCH FUNDS ARE NOT MEANT FOR INFRASTRUCTURE PROVISIONING IN STATE CAPITALS AND OTHER URBAN AREAS Ondo and Rivers. A couple of days ago, chairman of the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), Mr. Elias Mbam, while playing host to traditional rulers from the oil region, stated that governors to a great extent, neglected core oil producing communities in the application of the fund. Perhaps, the traditional rulers’ visit to Mbam was the last resort after all other approaches of theirs to call the errant governors to order failed. It is instructive to note that the Ilaje Democratic Forum (IDF) of the riparian Ilaje speaking area of Ondo State had once threatened to mobilize forces to confront the Governor Olusegun Mimiko-led administration in the state for failing to use the derivation fund to add value to the lives of the people of the area. The IDF had claimed that the N26

billion budget of the state’s Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC) in 2010, for example, was only on paper; and that no single project was executed in the oil producing areas of Ondo State that financial year. Recently, too, an Itsekiri sociocultural group – the Itsekiri Nationality (Delta State Chapter), last July 25, wrote President Goodluck Jonathan to protest alleged Delta State Government’s autocratic determination of how the derivation fund should be spent. The group urged the President to compel the state governor, Emmanuel Uduaghan, to deploy 50 per cent of the fund to oil bearing communities. Similarly, the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) once threatened the Rivers and Bayelsa state governments to set up commissions to manage the 13 Per Cent Derivation Fund coming to the two states or face attacks by the militant group. These scenarios are replicated in almost all the oil producing states. The various protestations had been largely unheeded because the oil communities, their leaders and other stakeholders lack the powers to hold the governors accountable. The FG’s intervention is therefore, necessary to reverse the embarrassing trend, considering the implications of the development to the nation’s

peace, security and stability. President Goodluck Jonathan and the National Assembly should show keen interest in the aberration and possibly investigate and take appropriate actions to ensure that the oil fund serves its intended purpose. The oil producing state status which gives the eight states access to the derivation fund does not exist in a vacuum. Oil producing communities give concrete meaning to the status; and so the 13 Per Cent Derivation Fund must be largely deployed to ameliorate the problems of the core host oil communities. The governors do not need the RMAFC chairman to tell them that such funds are not meant for infrastructure provisioning in state capitals and other urban areas. Again, one way to rein in the governors is to amend the Constitution and separate the State/Local Government Joint Account to enable Local Government Councils have full fiscal autonomy. Arrangements can then be made by the relevant authorities to pay derivation funds directly to oil producing council areas. The major apprehension, however, is that corrupt council chairmen could use their new found powers and fiscal autonomy for self aggrandizement if necessary control mechanisms are not put in place. Still, council chairmen can perform better, resist and call the bluff of their governors if they have the law on their side.

ON THIS DAY September 24, 2009 The G20 summit began in Pittsburgh with 30 global leaders in attendance. The event marked the first use of LRAD (Long Range Acoustic Device) in United States history. The 2009 G-20 Pittsburgh Summit was the third meeting of the G-20 heads of state where discussions on financial markets and the world economy were held. The G-20 is the premier forum for discussing, planning and monitoring international economic cooperation.

September 24, 1996 Representatives of 71 nations signed the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty at the United Nations. The Comprehensive Nuclear-TestBan Treaty (CTBT) bans all nuclear explosions in all environments, for military or civilian purposes. It was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on September 10, 1996 but did not enter into force as of May 2012.

September 24, 1948 The Honda Motor Company was founded. Honda Motor Company Limited is a Japanese public multinational corporation primarily known as a manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles. Honda has been the world’s largest motorcycle manufacturer since 1959, as well as the world’s largest manufacturer of internal combustion engines measured by volume, producing more than 14 million internal combustion engines each year.

A2 18

Business Courage

Monday, September 24, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Cover

A subdued skyline Bogged down by huge and rising debts, high cost of fuel, inadequate and sub-standard airport infrastructure, lack of in-country maintenance facilities, arbitrary and suspect regulatory activities, exploitative tariff regime and the indiscriminate allocation of landing rights and frequencies to foreign carriers, the Nigeria’s aviation sector appears to be at the end of its tethers. Who will rescue the situation? By Salami Semiu

he Nigeria’s aviation industry is in dire straits and the situation does not show strong reasons that the shambolic situation which the sector has been regrettably plunged would abate any moment soon. Last Thursday, about 10 days after the national flag carrier, Air Nigeria suspended all its operations for 12 months, citing inclement operating environment, Arik Air, Nigeria’s biggest airline also had its domestic operations grounded. The suspension of the two frontline airlines, according to aviation experts signaled the virtual collapse of the commercial passenger segment of the nation’s aviation industry, as the industry only have three airlines, Aero, IRS and Overland left on the domestic routes. However, the circumstances surrounding Arik Air’s sudden stoppage of operation at the time it did last Thursday have attracted serious concern among aviation experts and other concerned stakeholders. Though Arik claimed that the suspension was voluntary, Business Courage reliably learnt the airline’s action was forced by the actions of the industry’s unions, the Air Transport Senior Staff

Services of Nigeria, (ATSSSAN) and the National Union of Air Transport Employees, (NUATE), allegedly on the account of the huge debt it owed the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN. The President of ATSSSAN, Benjamin Okewu, told journalists that the unions decided to ground the operations of the airline over the huge debts owed various agencies like FAAN, Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, NAMA, and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, for services rendered to the air-

line over the years. Okewu had alleged that Arik is indebted to FAAN to the tune of N7.2 billion; NAMA, N5 billion and owed NCAA about $300 million. Arik Air management, though admitted owing FAAN, said that the airline’s indebtedness to the agency was N1.6 billion as aginst the N7 billion claimed by the union. The Managing Director of Arik Air, Chris Ndulue, accused the Ministry of Aviation of persistent hostility towards the airline, based on “personal interest as against national interest, which over-

rides every other interest.” “Due to persistent hostility of the Ministry of Aviation and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, which has culminated in the use of FAAN staff to stop Arik Air operations and lock in checked-in passengers in Lagos this morning, Arik Air has no option than to suspend all domestic operations until further notice. “This issue bears on personal interests and not payment of bills; since FAAN has been collecting its charges in advance since 18 months now. Arik Air regrets the inconveniences this disruption by FAAN would cause our guests. “Before now, there have been several attempts and threats to disrupt our operations and sell the usual impression that Arik Air owes the agencies. After these attempts failed, today, they resorted to using some FAAN staff.” “We are aware that some knowledgeable staff refused

to join this illegal and unwarranted action. They locked the boarding gate and prevented passengers from getting to the aircraft and were making false announcement of unimaginable sums of money they claimed Arik owed. Obviously, from their records no other airline owes anything.” It added, “This is only a calculated attempt to punish the airline and tarnish its image. They are witnesses to the reputation of Arik Air as a young and upwardly mobile airline. They saw it in their road shows and many visits to airlines and aircraft manufacturers. Ordinarily, they should be happy, but they are not.” “For the records, Arik Air does not owe FAAN as is being alleged by the agency. We want to state that FAAN has been collecting its charges over the last 18 months when it introduced the pay-as-you-go regime. In this year alone, we have paid over N2 billion to FAAN. Thirty

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five per cent of total airline revenues in Nigeria are paid back to government agencies.” The airline described as fictitious and baseless several figures allegedly being bandied about by FAAN as Arik Air’s indebtedness to the agency. Incidentally, however, most industry players who spoke with Business Courage on the issue last week stressed that notwithstanding what triggered Arik’s suspension, the current realities only go to confirm the age long concern that the business environment under which local carriers operate is patently hostile. For several years now, most airline owners have been struggling to survive amid huge and rising debts, high fuel costs, inadequate and substandard airport infrastructure, lack of incountry maintenance facilities and suspect regulatory activities. They also cited exploitative tariff regime and the indiscriminate allocation of landing rights and frequencies to foreign carriers as a major albatross of local airline operators. In fact, a top industry player who spoke under anonymity last week insisted that a more complex challenge the airlines have had to contend with over the years is the pervasive intrigues and politicking in the aviation sector, citing frequent underground wars being fought between government officials for influence over contract awards and benefits. According to industry experts, such seemingly intractable problems have sent many

airlines like Okada Air, ADC, Bellview, Sosoliso, Chanchangi and the defunct national carrier, Nigeria Airways; that was liquidated in 2003 out of business. And with the current logjam, the severe shortage of airline seats arising from three key operators temporary exit will constitute a serious drag on routine business and forced innocent Nigerians to pay as much as N40,000 for an hour’s flight. An indication to the pervasive intrigues and politicking that have taken over the aviation industry of late emerged last week with an allegation that

Ndulue

the Minister of Aviation, Stella Ogiewonyi had demanded to be allocated a five per cent equity shareholding in Arik airline. Although the allegation could not be independently verified as at press time at the weekend, an industry source said that a lot of under hand dealings were going on in the sector. The source made reference to part of the Senate Committee on Aviation’s report which recommended the prohibition of the Minister of Aviation and any public office holders from negotiating Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) with the foreign airlines to buttress his argument. The committee Chairman, Senator Hope Uzodinma had while deliberating on the report of investigation into allegations of air fare disparities and sharp practices by British Airways and Virgin Airways Nigeria recommended the prohibition of the Minister of Aviation and any public office holders from negotiating Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) with the foreign airlines. In fact, issues bothering on an indiscriminate allocation of frequencies to big international carriers, such as the British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Lufthansa, KLM-Alitalia, Emirates, Etihad, South African Airways, Ethiopian Airlines and Turkish Airlines among others under what a source tagged “illconceived Bilateral Air Services Agreements with their respective home governments” have seen foreign carriers operating direct flights out of Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt and Kano with little or no reciprocity from their Nigerian counterparts. What is particularly worrisome to aviation experts and investors is the failure of the government to match its posturing and pronouncements about government’s commitment to developing the nation’s

Oduah

Harold Demuren, NCAA boss

aviation sector with the required support, which carriers in other nations get from their home governments. Though the source admitted that many carriers benefitted from the bailout package offered airline owners by the Federal Government, such funds, the source insisted, were mostly used to offset accumulated debt rather than expand their operations. Besides, another aviator, an engineer in one of the domestic airlines, noted that, while not all of Nigeria’s airline problems are environmental, airline owners and operators interactions with the government have been less than robust, tilting more towards activism, as owners of airlines are excluded from the leadership and running of the Airline Operators of Nigeria. Perhaps, this explains why the FG’s recent actions seem to be facing stiff opposition. In fact, some aviation experts are of the opinion that the recent travails of Air Nigeria and Arik Air may have been orchestrated in furtherance of the merger agenda being promoted

by the aviation ministry. Business Courage reliably learnt that the Federal Government recently made subtle moves to force the merger of Arik Air, Air Nigeria and Aero Contractors to form a new national carrier, the action which was said to have faced stiff resistance particularly from Arik and Air Nigeria. Last week, a day after Arik suspended domestic operation and threw the local aviation business into turmoil, the Federal Government took over Aero through the Asset Management Company of Nigeria (AMCON). The Central Bank of Nigeria had announced last Friday that all credits to Aero should be halted because of its $200 million loan. “We can confirm that Aero’s debt has been taken over by AMCON. Currently Aero is going through a restructuring exercise under AMCON, pending final approval by AMCON board which is expected very soon,” said Omoke Enyi, the airline’s Chief Financial Officer, adding that the airline is allowed limited access to funds by the banks through AMCON for its working capital. Curiously, however, while the issues surrounding the grounding of Arik’s domestic operation remained unresolved, a group of law makers in the senate began moves to confer the status of a national carrier on the troubled airline. The Senator Uzodinma-led Committee had expressed its desire to encourage the Ministry of Aviation in the quest for a national carrier, suggesting that Arik with 23 new generation aircraft should be considered for the status of a national flag bearer with attendant privileges, responsibilities and adaptations. However, industry stakeholders who spoke on the issue kicked against the proposal, describing it as another way of short-changing the nation. They reasoned that before the national carrier status could be conferred on the airline as being proposed in some quarters, all the debts owed various organi-

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Cover sations, aviation agencies and banks must be settled by the management. The President, Aviation Round Table, ART, Capt. Dele Ore, in a telephone interview said that the pronouncement of the Senate committee was wrong, adding that the idea of a national carrier was no longer in vogue anywhere in the world. While he queried the management structure of the airline, its audited accounts over the years and its debt profile to various organisations in the country he stressed that until the issues are resolved by the organisation and its agents, whatever status accorded the airline would be an exercise in futility. “What has Arik done with the status conferred on it as the flag carrier of this great nation? The truth of the matter is that the concept of national carrier is already archaic and old fashioned. The recommendation to accord Arik Air a national carrier status will be an exercise in futility without considering the factors that presently affect the flag carrier,” Ore said. According to him, those “factors will be haunting the organisation notwithstanding the name you call it to boost its status as a national carrier. In conclusion, therefore, the questions we should ask ourselves are: Is the management of the airline in control of Nigeria? Is Nigerianisation policy well ar-

Capt. Ore

ticulated and put in place? Is Arik Air paying taxes as it operates? What is the status of Nigerian pilots and engineers in the airline? Are they accorded the needed respect? Will the Nigerian government support it or buy shares from the airline when it is accorded that status? There are more questions than answers,” he said. Also, the Assistant Secretary of Airline Operators of Nigeria, AON, Mohammed Tukur, pre-

dicted that the proposal would never scale through, alleging that the attempt to make the airline a national carrier was fraudulent as he queried the reason for the proposal. He insisted that rather than making the airline a national carrier, government should set up another airline from the scratch, stressing that the attempt to make the airline a national carrier was to eradicate its massive debts to various or-

ganisations. “Rather than making the airline a national carrier, they should set up an airline from the scratch and let people buy into it. They killed other airlines and at the end of the day, they are saying let us make Arik Air a national carrier. Will Arik pay its outstanding debts? Before talking about making it a national carrier, all its debts to FAAN, NCAA, NAMA, staff, fuel marketers and others must be cleared. There are so many

dubious people in the industry that use the industry to siphon billions of money collected from banks and owe everybody. They should come out and tell Nigerians the truth. Government should be very careful with whatever steps it is taking in the industry. Whatever step they take now, they will use it against them in the future. They should form a new airline entirely. They are manipulating our people,” he said. BC

and 2015 through various capacity building and credit access supports as part of the medium term plan of the current agricultural transformation agenda. Setting the target at the formal take-off of the new Young Employment in Agriculture Programme (YEAP) in Abuja, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Akinwumi Adesina, said the programme was designed to create a new generation of commercial farmers that will help transform the agricultural sector. While lamenting the huge financial outlay being committed yearly to import food items in the country despite its abundant natural and human resource endowments, the minister said government would do everything possible to ensure the sustainability of the ongoing agricultural transformation agenda through the creation of appropriate policy and institutional frameworks that would change agriculture as

a development programme to business. He explained that the sector offers Nigeria’s the strongest platform in the current drive to rapidly transform the economy in view of its yet-to-be fully explored food, employment, health and revenue generation potentials, amongst other socio-economic benefits. He explained: “I am pleased we are here today to design a new initiative to create a new generation of young commercial farmers that will help transform the agricultural sector- and feed Nigeria today and well into the future. They will be called ‘Nanopreneurs’. Our goal is to create one million young agricultural entrepreneurs in our country by 2015. “There is no doubt that the current generation of farmers is ageing rapidly. To be competitive in today’s global agricultural markets, with changing technologies, demands for quality and standards, there is need to change the labour composition of our agricultural sector. “The agricultural sector requires new skills, younger and more entrepreneurial farmers, who will be able to

compete at the global scale. They must be well versed in business, to be able to run sound agribusiness that will make Nigeria’s agriculture modern, commercial and profitable”, Adesina added. Describing the initiative as a major part of the government’s agricultural recovery and growth programme for the country, the minister disclosed that in order to ensure it succeeds, the Federal Government will be partnering the state governments and local governments to ease land access and other grassroots support facilities within their domains. On the challenge of high interest rate on bank credit, he explained that already, arrangements were being made in collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria, the Ministry of Finance and other relevant financial institutions or agencies to enable the young farmers access loans at single digit even as the NIRSAL would provide a cover in risk-sharing in the entire agribusiness value chains. In her remarks at the forum, an award-winning young farmer, Mosunmola Umuro, spoke about her foray

into agricultural business after graduating from the university and urged other young Nigerians to learn from her experiences which, she said, have given her sense of fulfilment as a self-employed young Nigeria. According to her, she now employs scores of Nigerians in her farm and have also acquired another 15 acres of land to boost the agribusiness since there is a huge market for agricultural produce and processed products locally and at the global markets.

News

Adesina

FG targets one million young agric business entrepreneurs by 2015

Stories By Tola Akinmutimi (Abuja)

he Federal Government has said that it was committed to getting at least one million young Nigerians engaged in agricultural business ventures between now

Sen. Uzodinma

FG to support Indian firms’ investment drives in ICT industry

etermined to enhance the employment and revenue generation potentials of software development in the country, the Federal Government has assured a team of Indian software development and services now in the country of its readiness to provide the enabling investment policy frameworks and incentives in support of their current investment drive in the country.

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News Giving the assurance at the interactive session with leaders of National Association of Software and Services Companies (NASSCOM), a notfor-profit Indian consortium created to promote the development of the country’s IT (information technology) and business process outsourcing industries in Abuja, Director General of National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Professor Cleopas Angaye, explained that investing in the nation’s ICT industry, particularly the software development sub-sector, promised huge returns for investors given the huge youth population and a growing market for software solutions and services. According to him, current statistics on internet, telecommunications and computing usage globally showed clearly that Nigeria had become one of the countries with fastest growing consumers, pointing out that “in view of this growing population of consumers of ICT products and services, I can assure you that your desire to explore the Nigerian market for software development and services is not misplaced at all”. While recounting the tremendous growth the nation’s ICT industry has witnessed in the past few years, the NITDA boss told the delegation that with about 90 million active telephone subscribers and over 100 radio and television stations and surging growth in Internet Services Providers and Cybercafes in the country, Nigeria’s telecoms and broadcast markets remain the fastest growing in the African continent today. He therefore urged the visiting team to consider the Nigerian market the preferred destination in their efforts to invest in emerging markets and assured them of government’s willingness to partner them in collective efforts targeted at exploring the industry’s marketing, employment and profitability potentials to the fullest in line with Federal Government’s vision of making the ICT industry a major contributor to the nation’s GDP in the years ahead. “The Government has demonstrated strong commitment towards the development of the industry through various policies and initiatives and also prepared to benefit from outsourcing industry market which presently stands at $500 billion with future projections estimate of $1.65-1.80 trillion by 2020. “Nigeria therefore welcomes partnership from experienced

L- R Wasiu Oladimeji, Oyo State Commissioner for Environment; Ahmed Kuru, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Enterprise Bank Limited; Engineer Kayode. Ajisafe, Managing Director, Kadis Nigeria Limited; O. Salami, Accountant-General of Oyo State; Oyadeji Oludele, Director of Treasury, Oyo State and his deputy, Olawoye Sina, in a group photograph when Enterprise Bank held its Customer Forum at the Civic Centre, Ibadan… recently

organisations across the globe such as NASSCOM to further develop the ICT sector in the country. “Though the ICT industry is still developing in Nigeria, the potentials are enormous, not only within the country but for the sub-region and even the continent. Nigeria can become a net exporter of ICT, a destination for and a major hub for investments in outsourcing. This can only be achieved through collaboration and partnership”, Professor Angaye said. NASSCOM initiatives revolve round five major pillars, Domestic Market Initiative, the Innovation Initiative, the Education Initiative, the Women in Leadership-IT Initiative and the Security Initiative.

Angaye

NDIC plans RiskBased Supervision training for bank examiners

he Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) is organizing risk-based supervision (RBS) training programme for its examiners, to enable them understand and examine the risk profile of banks and the various risk management models being deployed by the banks. The capacity building training which is being

organised in collaborationwith the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the RBS training is based on a supervisory framework that is adopted by both the NDIC and the CBN. It also involves critical areas, such as overview of risk management, understanding the framework for risk-based supervision and risk mitigation techniques. A statement by the Head of the Public Affairs and Information Unit of the Commission, Hadi Bichi, noted that the Commission had recently concluded the third leg of the RBS which was held last month for 54 participants, out of which five were from the CBN and 49 from Bank Examination Department (BED), Special Insured Institutions Department (SIID) and Zonal Offices of the Corporation. The fourth leg of the RBS training programme is to be held early next year in Abuja for the CBN and NDIC examiners. It would be recalled that the first run of the training programme was organized by the Corporation in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, for 54 participants out of which 44 were NDIC examiners and 10 from the CBN while the second was held in the same venue about two years ago for 64 participants, all who were NDIC examiners. In a recent development, the Managing Director/Chief Executive, NDIC, Umaru Ibrahim underscored the rationale behind the RBS for banks while declaring open the 12th annual national conference of Risk Managers Association of Nigeria in Lagos with the theme: “Financial Sector Stability and MacroPrudential Risk Regulation: Way Forward for Emerging and Developing Economies”. Alhaji Ibrahim said that the NDIC was collaborating with the CBN in implementing risk based supervision (RBS) of banks, to enable them effectively evaluate risks inherent in activities and risk management functions of banks.

The NDIC boss who was represented at the Conference by the Director, Asset Management Department of the Corporation, Adedapo Adeleke, also told the risk managers that the various Boards of insured institutions were expected to establish an enterprise risk management (ERM) system with clearly defined risk decisions that would be consistent with the established thresholds. He charged the insured institutions to complement their risk management strategies by consistently assessing whether they were deploying their capital relative to their risk exposures and matching their assets with liabilities to avert liquidity crisis, stressing that the banks should always enthrone self regulation by remaining ethical in their business dealings and stress-testing their capital positions to complement statutory regulations.

Ibrahim

Ijaws demand direct payment of 13 per cent derivation revenue

silent but potentially dangerous crisis that may reverse the recent achievements of the Amnesty programme and interventions of the Niger Delta Development Commission appears to be brewing in the region as host

communities of the core Ijaw oil producing areas of Egbema, Gbaramatu and Ogulagha kingdoms in Delta State have demanded that their share of 27 percent of the 13 per cent derivation fund accruing to Delta state be paid directly to them. The communities, in a letter to President Goodluck Jonathan signed by 28 chiefs and members, each representing a community in the three kingdoms, demanded the urgent intervention of the President in order to avoid crisis that may lead to the closure of the flow stations in their kingdoms. The communities said their request was predicated on the fact that they no longer have faith in the Delta State Oil Producing Development Commission, DESOPADEC, who they claim, have been hijacked by politicians. The group under the aegis of Ijaw Host Communities emphasised that Section 162(2) of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria states that 13 per cent derivation fund is the first charge of the Federation Account. “13 per cent derivation fund is not part of any consolidated revenue of state government; it is not part of any state allocation. 13 per cent derivation fund is a benchmark for revenue allocation for host communities in Nigeria. It is therefore illegal to allocate 13 per cent derivation fund through a third party to the host communities. “However in Delta, Edo, Ondo, Imo and Abia states, oil commissions have been created through which a percentage of the 13 per cent derivation fund is paid to the host communities by the state governments as a third party. This procedure and process has allowed the state governors to take over full control of the resources of these oil communities to the exclusion of the host communities. In Delta state the situation has been so embarrassing and has come to a boiling point where the host communities have been driven to the wall” the group said. While lamenting the failure of government to pay the monthly allocation of 50 per cent of the state derivation fund to DESOPADEC as at when due, a situation which they claimed had led to delays in implementation of projects in the communities, they expressed their joy over the recent dissolution of the DESOPADEC board, which they noted had become a political tool for oppression, marginalization and victimization. “In the last three years, jobs

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News the on-going review of the Revenue allocation Formula will also address some of the grievances of beneficiaries of the federation Account in a just, fair and equitable way.

Mbam

completed and commissioned by the governor have not been fully paid for in the last three years. Contractors who borrowed money from banks are already having issues with the banks as the banks have seized the collaterals for the loans. “When the part payments are made, the banks seized all such payments to settle accrued interest for the loan for the past three years, so that the contractors have nothing to take home for their efforts, as a result, many have died from hypertension and frustration” the group said. Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission, Engr. Elias Mbam, gave some clarifications recently that the 13 per cent Derivation from monthly allocation extended to oilproducing states ought to be exclusively spent on oilproducing communities who suffer most from the impact of environmental degradation occasioned by oil exploration in their domain. He said the clarification became necessary in view of the fact that a larger percentage of the 13 percent Derivation Fund meant for the development of host communities is unjustifiably spent in the development of state capitals and other urban centres thus negating the principle behind derivation which serves as reparation to the host communities which land and water resources are devastated by oil exploration activities. The RMAFC Boss who made this clarification when he received a delegation of traditional rulers from Delta state on a courtesy call however lamented that the law establishing States and Local Governments Joint Account is an encumbrance on the successful operations of the 13 per cent derivation principle since the Law confers absolute control of the Fund on governors rather than Local Council Chairmen who govern the host communities. He therefore sought for an amendment to the States and Local Governments Joint Account Law to allow Local Government Councils take direct control and administration of all funds meant for them adding that

Subsidy claim: FG pays additional N56.7bn to marketers

he Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Finance Minister, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, said that the Federal Government had paid additional N56.75 billion to oil marketers out of the 2012 subsidy claims. While briefing newsmen in Abuja last Friday, Dr. OkonjoIweala, said that the payments were made to 14 companies after being screened by the committee on oil subsidy

(L-R): Obabiyi Fagade, Brand Manager, Star; Tony Agenmonmen, Marketing Manager, Lager; Edem Vindah, Media & Public Affairs Manager and Sampson Oloche, Senior Brand Manager, Star, all of Nigerian Breweries PLC at the Star Time To Shine Promo Press Conference held recently at the Lagos Brewery Bar, Iganmu.

Government said it had paid N78.9 billion to 43 oil marketers for 2012 subsidy claims as at August 24.

8.5m consumers to benefit in “Star Time To Shine” Promo

Okonjo-Iweala

claims. She said that the companies were Bovas and Company Ltd., Folawiyo Energy Ltd., Forte Oil Plc, Ibafon Oil Ltd. and Integrated Oil and Gas Ltd. Others include M.R.S Oil Nigeria Ltd., Nipco Plc, Oando Plc, Northwest Petroleum and Gas Ltd, Rainoil Ltd., Shorelink Ltd., Swift Oil Ltd., Tecno Oil Ltd. and Total Nigeria Ltd. ``The ministry of finance has been making payments and screening the activities of the marketers,’’ she said. The minister said that the sum of N56.755 billion was paid this week to the marketers that had been screened successfully. According to her, the ministry has been on a mission to carefully screen and verify the oil marketers. ``We are preparing to continue this new system where we carefully screen marketers of petroleum products. We will carry out the screening before and after any payment is made,” she said. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the Federal

tar lager beer has announced a range of prizes up for graps in its biggest ever consumer reward schemes tagged Star Time To Shine Promo. The prizes include 16 brand new Toyota Corolla cars, 160 32-inch LCD TV sets, N20 million cash, 6.3 million free drinks, pens, base ball caps, t-shirts and umbrellas. Marketing Director, of Nigeria Breweries Plc, brewers of Star Lager, Walter Drenth, said that Star Lager beer, which was recently repackaged for better satisfaction, is constantly looking for ways to put smiles on the faces of its loyal consumers. Drenth, who was represented by the Media and Public Affairs Manager, Edem Vindah, said the Star Time To Shine Promo was designed to appreciate and reward the loyalty shown the brand by consumers over the years. He said the main objective of the promotion was to give consumers a chance to win prizes. “This is the time to reward and say ‘thank you’ to the millions of our consumers in every part of Nigeria. It is with pride that I introduce the Star Time To Shine promo – a national consumer promotion designed to reward our loyal consumers all the country with various fantastic prizes.” Speaking on the promo’s modalities, Drenth said the promotion is crown-cork based and in two categories; instant prize corks and draw crown corks. “The instant crown cork

means consumers buy and open a bottle of Star and while enjoying the premium quality, look under the crown cork, and their passport to shine is staring them in the face. There will also be draw corks containing special numeric codes with prizes won weekly. “Holders of the crown corks can redeem their prizes in two ways: By sending name, age, sex, location, and the special code to 30383 by SMS or by going to any of the 1,200 redemption centres and registering their codes and personal details. Instant prizes will be redeemed from any of the 1,200 redemption centres nationwide. The basic idea is to ensure that as many Star loyalists as possible get rewarded” he added. The draws for the Star Time To Shine promo will be held weekly in different bars around Nigeria from October 12, 2012 and broadcast on major network televisions, including Newsline every Sunday from October 21, 2012.

Oil marketers deny receiving N976.6m subsidy payment

wo oil marketers -Oluwaseun Ogunbambo and Habila Theck last Friday denied that the Federal Government paid their company, Fargo Petroleum and Gas Ltd., N976.6 million as Petroleum Support Fund (PSF). The marketers made the denial through their counsel, Adebayo Adenipekun (SAN), at the commencement of their substantive trial before Justice Adeniyi Onigbanjo of an Ikeja High Court. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the defendants are among the 17 oil marketers being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial

Crimes Commission over PSF (fuel subsidy) theft. Adenipekun while crossexamining Wale Adamolekun, the General Manager (Operations), Petroleum Products Pricing and Regulatory Agency (PPPRA), said that the company did not receive any subsidy payment. “I put it to you that Fargo has not received the N976.6 million subsidy payments from the Federal Government as being alleged by the EFCC,” he said. The defence counsel said his clients had to submit about 45 documents to the PPPRA for verification before they could access the PSF. He noted that six agencies would have verified the Shore Tank Certificate of the transaction before it would get to the PPPRA. Adenipekun said: “Without the Sovereign Debt Statement (SDS) issued by the PPPRA, the Ministry of Finance and its auditors will not entertain any request from an oil marketer. So it is the duty of the PPPRA to truthfully and diligently verify these documents,” he said. Earlier in his evidencein- chief, Adamolekun, the first prosecution witness, said that Fargo was one of the companies given permission

Lamorde

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Monday, September 24, 2012

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News to participate in the scheme but said he was not aware whether the company received the N976.7 million subsidy payment or not. NAN reports that the EFCC had on July 30, arraigned the defendants on a six-count charge of conspiracy, obtaining money by false pretence, forgery and use of false documents. They, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge, and were granted bail. EFCC counsel, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), alleged that the defendants had on Feb. 10, fraudulently obtained the money from the Federal Government. He said that the defendants falsely claimed that the money represented subsidy accrued to them from the importation of 13,627,084 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol). The prosecutor said that the PMS was purportedly purchased from one Seatac Petroleum Ltd. and imported into Nigeria through a ship -MT Diplomat Ex MT Milleura. He further claimed that the defendants on Oct. 14 in Lagos forged a document entitled Certificate of Origin, Port of Loading Antwerp, Belgium, so as to facilitate their obtaining the aforesaid amount. Jacobs added that the defendants falsely claimed that the document was issued by Seatac Petroleum Ltd.

provide considerable benefits and opportunities to the shareholders. He said that customers, staff and other stakeholders of the banks would be better off after the merger. Balogun said that the merger would enhance the market reach and customer convenience through an expanded 270 branch networks for shareholders. According to him, the merger would strengthen the commercial banking business they would engage in. ``This merger will deepen our capabilities. It will merge FCMB’s strength in investment banking and FinBank’s competitive advantage in commercial, retail and mobile banking, `` he said. Balogun also assured the shareholders of increased returns on their investment in the years ahead. ``The merger of the two banks will ensure a more robust platform for retail growth,`` he said. FCMB had in February this year completed the acquisition of the entire paid-up capital of FinBank and had proposed the merger in line with the Transaction Implementation Agreement of July 14, 2011.

Access Bank grows half-year profit by 225 per cent

Ladi Balogun

Shareholders approve FCMB, FinBank merger scheme

hareholders of First City Monument Bank (FCMB) and FinBank have unanimously approved the proposed merger of the two banks. The shareholders gave their approval last Friday at both banks’ Court Ordered Meeting held in Lagos. The shareholders also authorised the banks’ directors to consent to any modification on the merger scheme by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Ladi Balogun, the Group Managing Director of FCMB, said that the merger would

ccess Bank Plc has announced an audited Profit Before Tax (PBT) of N30.07 billion for its half-year ended June 30, 2012. The result shows a quantum leap in key profitability indices as Profit After Tax (PAT) grew by 225 per cent to N26.13 billion compared with the N8.08 billion recorded in the corresponding period in 2011. Similarly, the bank’s Profit Before Tax (PBT) rose from N12.37billion recorded for halfyear in 2011 to N30.07 billion, a 143 per cent growth over last year’s performance. The impressive performance is also evident in the bank’s earnings for the period as gross earnings rose by 103 per cent to N108.7 billion in relation to last year’s figure of N53.65 billion. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, the bank’s Group Managing Director said that with the robust performance and the completion of its post merger integration, Access Bank is now firmly established as a top tier Nigerian Bank. “Leveraging on our sustainability driven business philosophy, robust capital position and the quality of our workforce, I am confident that we will continue to deliver strong returns for our investors in 2012,” he said.

Aig-Imoukhuede

Analysts have described the bank’s performance as a valid testament to its financial strength and capacity for sustainable growth. Analysis of the result has shown that Access Bank is already extracting value from its acquisition of Intercontinental Bank by leveraging scale and access to large retail deposit base evidenced by the bank’s low cost of fund. Access Bank’s acquisition of Intercontinental Bank significantly altered the ranking of the top five banks in Nigeria, putting it firmly in the league of Nigeria’s four largest banks by all metrics. This posture is validated by its customer base of over 5.7 million, network of 310 branches and over 1700 ATM. The bank recently revised its corporate philosophy to highlight its vision of becoming “Africa’s Most Respected Bank”. This vision is underpinned by its adoption and entrenchment of the principle of Sustainability at the core of its operations.

50,000 farmers to get Vitamin A fortified cassava stems

arvestPlus, an international agricultural organisation, will soon distribute vitamin A fortified cassava stems to 50, 000 farmers in the country. Paul Ilona, the country manager of the organisation told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibadan on Friday that the bio-fortified crop would be distributed to farming families. He said the organisation had been collaborating with local and international stakeholders to improve the health of the rural poor through bio-fortification of crops. Ilona, spoke on the side line of the annual crop meeting in Ibadan organised by the group for its international donors and local stakeholders. According to him, the aim is to make micro-nutrients

cheaply available to the poor in their staple foods. He said apart from the major focus on cassava, HarvestPlus had also released Vitamin A fortified maize seeds to farmers in the country. ``We are looking forward to bio-fortifying beans, sorghum and millets in iron because we know the importance of iron in the blood system.’’ Ilona recalled that in 2011, three vitamin A fortified cassava varieties were officially released to farmers and said the current effort was to ensure that the varieties got to farmers directly. He said the organisation had been multiplying the stems, adding that, “the challenge we have is that come 2013, we are in a position to roll out this new varieties to an estimated 50, 000 households.’’ On the stakeholders meeting, Ilona said it was to appraise information on challenges that might affect the distribution of the cassava stems. He added that the participants, drawn from research institutes, federal and state ministries and nongovernmental organisations, would also set targets for future projects.

Senate summons petroleum minister, oil chiefs over fuel scarcity

he Senate Committee on Petroleum (Downstream) has invited top petroleum officials to a consultative meeting over the perennial scarcity of petroleum products across the country. In a statement on Friday in Abuja, Chairman of the Committee, Sen. Magnus Abe said the summon was in respect of the ``unacceptable’’ long queues at filling stations in Abuja and other parts of the country. Those invited include the Petroleum Minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke and Andrew Yakubu, the Group Managing Director of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC). The Committee also invited Reginald Stanley, the Executive Secretary, Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) and other stakeholders in the petroleum downstream sector. The meeting is scheduled to hold at the National Assembly Complex on Sept. 27. ``We thought that the era of Nigerians queuing at filling stations for indeterminate hours to procure PMS and other petroleum products, was indeed gone forever. It

is, indeed, an embarrassment that precious man-hours are wasted in the quest to fulfil a basic need. What was initially perceived as a glitch in the distribution chain has now ballooned into queues in what now seems to be a gradual return to that inglorious era,” Abe said. He said the committee would engage those in charge to ascertain the course and chart workable solutions to the challenges in the downstream sector.

A/Ibom executes 6,000 rural projects in five years

kwa Ibom government has executed 6,000 rural projects across the 329 wards of the state since 2007. The state Commissioner for Information and Communications, Aniekan Umanah, made this known on Friday in Uyo. He spoke to newsmen on the activities lined up for the celebration of the 25th anniversary of the state’s creation. Umanah said Gov. Godswill Akpabio had initiated a radical transformation that had brought about urban renewal and integrated rural development. The commissioner said that since 2007, the state had witnessed tremendous development in healthcare, electricity supply, education, road network and water supply. “Chief Akpabio’s zeal for the rapid development of the state has resulted in the most comprehensive transformation witnessed in our era. The present administration has constructed not less than 295 roads, including Federal roads covering a distance of 1,110km.” Umanah said the free and compulsory education policy of the state government, started in 2008, had tripled primary schools enrolment from 350,000 to 0ne million in 2012. He said that secondary schools enrolment had equally increased from 400, 000 to 900,000 in 2012. The commissioner noted the government had provided infrastructure in the areas of power, aviation, tourism and agriculture. Umanah said that the state had achieved a lot as it marks its silver jubilee on Sept. 23 with an Inter-Denominational Thanksgiving service and a state banquet. Other activities lined up were the installation of the new chairman, Akwa Ibom Traditional Rulers Council, inauguration of projects at Abak and Ikot Ekpene local government areas. BC

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Global News countries in Africa that has tapped international financial markets with a $500 million eurobond. The bond is currently yielding 6.78 per cent.

China resumes oil imports from Sudan

C Macky Sall

Senegal’s growth to rise to 4.3 per cent in 2013- IMF

enegal’s gross domestic product (GDP) is expected to tick up to 4.3 per cent in 2013 from a forecast 3.7 per cent this year on the back of infrastructure projects and a recovery in its agricultural sector, the IMF said last week. The International Monetary Fund said inflation, which stood at 1.5 per cent in the first half of 2012, was expected to remain well below two per cent in the coming months. Completion of projects in the electricity and road sectors, recovery in the agricultural sector and mining projects will contribute to boosting growth. “Despite the gloomy international context, GDP growth is expected to increase slightly to 4.3 per cent in 2013, sustained primarily by major projects,” the IMF said in a statement after a mission to the West African state from September 6 to 19. “The current account deficit should decline, but would remain high in light of imports associated with investments in the energy and mining sectors. The overall balance of payments is expected to post a slight deficit.” IMF urged the new Senegalese government to maintain its budget deficit target in order to ensure fiscal sustainability. Senegal’s budget deficit is expected to be reduced to less than five per cent of GDP in 2013. Between 2000 and 2010, Senegal’s budget deficit grew to 6.7 per cent of GDP or 455 billion CFA francs and was projected to hit 8.2 per cent if nothing was done. President Macky Sall, who defeated incumbent Abdoulaye Wade in a tense election earlier this year, has promised to rein in government spending. Parliament voted last Thursday to abolish the upper house of the national assembly, the 100-seat senate, to save about $15 million annually. The government has said it would use the funds for social infrastructure projects including combating annual floods. Senegal is one of the few

hina in August made its first crude oil purchase from Sudan since April, importing about 140,000 tonnes, customs data showed, and traders said purchases may increase once Sudan and rival South Sudan finalise a border deal. China did not import any crude from South Sudan in August, the data showed, as oil output there remained shut. South Sudan, which inherited about 75 per cent of Sudan’s oil output when it declared independence in July 2011, halted oil flows in January during a dispute with Khartoum over how much it should pay to export crude through pipelines in Sudanese territories to a Red Sea port. Traders said China’s August imports from Sudan could be from storage tanks held by state-run China National Petroleum Corp (CNPC), the largest investor in the oil business in both Sudan and South Sudan. CNPC in July sold a one-million barrel cargo of Nile Blend crude for JulyAugust loadings to Chinese trader Unipec. Sudan was China’s seventh largest crude oil supplier in 2011, but imports from both Sudan and South Sudan for the first eight months of this year were only a quarter of the average daily rate for 2011. China’s total imports from Sudan so far this year were about 1.5 million tonnes, or 45,000 bpd, while imports from South Sudan averaged 20,000 bpd, the customs data showed.

Tanzania coffee prices fall as season peaks

anzania’s coffee prices fell at auction this week, taking their cue from markets in London and New York, as supplies of the commodity rose at the peak of the season, the Tanzania Coffee Board (TCB) said on Friday. State-run regulator TCB said 29,878 of the 60-kg bags were offered at the latest sale, of which 25,335 bags were purchased. At the previous sale 21,999 bags had been offered and 21,303 bags sold. “Coffee prices fell at auction this week compared to last week because prices at the terminal market were also a bit low,” Primus Kimaryo, director of quality and promotion at the coffee board, told Reuters. “We are now at the peak of the season ... the coffee quality is good and demand has been somewhat static.”

Tanzania, Africa’s fourthlargest coffee producer after Ethiopia, Uganda and Ivory Coast, produces mainly arabica and some robusta coffee. Prices of its arabica normally track the New York market while those of robusta take their cue from London. “Overall average prices at the Moshi exchange were down by $2.77 per 50 kg for mild arabica and robusta was down by $4.31 per 50 kg compared to the last auction,” TCB said in its weekly report. “Average prices were above the terminal market by $0.83 per 50 kg and $24.29 per 50 kg for mild arabica and robusta respectively,” it added. Benchmark grade AA sold at $178.20-$221.0 per bag, compared with $186.80-$220.0 per bag previously. The average price was $188.40 per bag, down from $191.42. Grade A fetched $179.20$196.00 per bag, compared with $185.00-$203.40 per bag at the previous sale. The average price fell to $184.43 from $188.46 previously. East African coffee is normally packed in 60-kg bags but the prices are quoted for quantities of 50 kg. The TCB says it expects the 2012/13 (June/April) crop to rise to 55,000 tonnes from around 32,000 tonnes in the previous season.

UK public sector borrowing hits record high

K public sector net borrowing was £14.4 billion in August, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) has said, the biggest deficit for the month since records began. The figure was marginally higher than for the same month last year. Corporation tax receipts fell by 2.1 per cent and benefits payments rose 4.9 per cent. The figures make it more likely that the government will fail to achieve its aim of wiping out the structural budget deficit by 2015. The borrowing figures differ depending on whether the temporary effects of oneoff financial transactions are included or excluded. The April 2012 net borrowing figures included two one-off transactions to the government - £28 billion from the transfer of the Royal Mail Pension Plan and £2.3 billion following the closure of the Special Liquidity Scheme. The ONS says that for the period April to August 2012, public sector net borrowing, excluding financial interventions such as bail-outs to the banks, was £31 billion; £17.4 billion lower than in the same period last year. But if the effect of this Royal Mail and other transactions are stripped out, then public sector net borrowing for April to August 2012 actually increased 22 per cent to £61.3 billion,

David Gauke

£12.9 billion higher than in the same period last year. The ONS also reported that public sector net borrowing for the fiscal year 2011/2012 was £119.3 billion, £6.7 billion lower than the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) forecast of £126 billion. David Gauke, Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, said that the figures show the government borrowed almost £7 billion less last year than previously estimated. “This is further evidence that we are dealing with our debts and getting the deficit down.”

Spain gears up for bank bailout

p to 60 billion euros (£48bn; $78bn) will be needed to bail out Spain’s banks, according to the country’s second biggest lender, BBVA. The results of independent stress tests of the Spanish banking sector will be published on 28 September. But previews are already being sent to the country’s financial institutions. The Spanish government is believed to have already put in place economic reform plans that would allow it to apply for a bailout immediately. Spain’s conservative Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy has in the past insisted Madrid would not become the fourth European capital in recent years to apply for such a bailout, but sources indicate such a programme is now likely. Spain’s banking sector needs recapitalising, and much of the money would come from 100 billion euros in European Union funds already pledged by eurozone finance ministers in June. “We’ll get a figure of around 70, 75 or 80 billion euros,” BBVA’s Chairman Francisco Gonzalez said. That figure includes around 20 billion euros already allocated to troubled banks, which means 50-60 billion euros is still required. The bigger question however for investors is how the Spanish government begins to balance its books. Many in Brussels and beyond now assume it is only

a matter of time before Spain becomes the fourth eurozone country to take a bailout. A source in Brussels said the preference is that Madrid applies for the money sooner rather than later, before market conditions change. That is important because of the different manner in which this bailout is being put together. A European Commission spokesman said it would be wrong to see this as a “kind of proto-bailout” but to many it does look like a bailout-by-stealth. Over the last few months Spanish officials have held numerous meetings with their European counterparts, working out what Madrid would have to do to fulfil the criteria of any bailout deal.

IMF cuts South Korea growth forecast

he International Monetary Fund (IMF) has cut its growth forecast for South Korea, citing risks from further intensification of the eurozone crisis. The fund said it expects a growth of three per cent for this year, down from its projection of 3.25 per cent in June. The eurozone crisis has dented demand in the region and hurt South Korea’s exports, which account for nearly half of its economic output. The IMF said that South Korea was well placed to handle any further risks. “In the event of a significant downside scenario, the economy has sufficient policy space to respond, especially on the fiscal side,” the IMF said in a report on the Asian economy. According to data released earlier this month, South Korea’s economy grew lessthan-forecast in the April to June quarter, hurt by a slowdown in exports and investment. That prompted policymakers to announce two separate stimulus measures targeted at boosting domestic demand. The first one was a stimulus package worth $5.2 billion (£3.2bn) that included tax breaks on personal incomes and purchases of homes and cars. Then the central bank, the Bank of Korea, said it would inject 1.5 trillion won ($1.3bn; £825m) into banks, which will use it to provide low-interest rate loans to small businesses. The IMF said that South Korea’s central bank had room to cut interest rates in bid to further boost demand, if global issues continue to hurt growth. However, it said that economy was likely to “bottom out during the course of 2012, regaining momentum towards the end of the year, in line with the global recovery”. The fund forecast that the South Korean economy would grow by around four in 2013. BC

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A quintessential business person Dr. Christopher Kolade, former broadcaster and one time Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, is a communicator per excellence, a quintessential information disseminator whose business skills and integrity are well acknowledged both locally and internationally. He was first black Chief Executive and Chairman of confectionery giant, Cadbury Plc. Though he is long retired from active service, Kolade, 80, still holds sway in the business world. By Bamidele Obafemi

Kolade

r. Christopher Kolade, Commander of the Order of Niger (CON), is a man of great reputation who has distinguished himself in service both in the public and private sectors of the Nigerian economy. Born in 1932 in Erin-Oke, a predominantly agrarian and commerce town, located at the Oriade Local Government Area of Osun State, decidedly broke away from norms when he gained admission to study for his secondary school certificate at Government College, Ibadan. His determination not to earn a living from farming drove him to seek further education outside the shores of Nigeria as he later proceeded to Fourah Bay College, Freetown, Sierra Leone for higher educational qualifications. Kolade, a veteran broadcaster, began his career in journalism and rose to become the Director- General of the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC). As a broadcaster with the Radio Nigeria network and Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), he was a significant voice that helped the broadcasting stations achieve the powerful stature they have acquired today. As the head of the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation, Dr. Christopher Kolade built the institution along the path of integrity and honour, making it one of the few true voices of the community even when it was clear that its proprietorial hold was tightly governmental. With a successful stint at NBC, Dr. Kolade, at the age of 45, pulled out from the civil service to take on fresh challenges in the private sector, pitching his tent with Cadbury Nigeria Plc as Administration Director in 1978. At Cadbury Nigeria Plc, the outstanding communicator quickly distinContinue on pg A8

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Kolade in his days as Nigerian High Commissioner to the UK

Cadbury from taking kickback from contractors who worked for the company during his time. A particular instance which Dr. Kolade recalls with great profundity, was the experience he had with a senior staff of Cadbury at that time. At one point, Dr. Kolade recalled that he told one of his senior marketing people that he was told that when the staff give contracts to some of the advert agencies, between 10 to 15 per cent (kickback/commission) were always demanded. “I said ‘that’s what I’ve been told. But, you know, I don’t believe it. But if that is what you do, go and stop it because believe me, one day, I’ll catch you,” he recalled. According to him, he told the particular staff that he may “get away with it for a long while because you are also a child of God and God will give you a long rope. But one day, one day, if you don’t desist, I will catch you; and when I do, there will be no argument.’

‘

“I don’t know whether he believed me and I just kept on. I wasn’t in any hurry to catch him. One day, I got a letter from Ibadan saying this person did this and that. He is giving all your POS to his girlfriends in Ibadan. So, I called his director and showed him the letter. I asked him (the director) to go to Ibadan to find out whether this was so. He went and found out that all was so. I called the man and I reminded him of what I told him before about percentage cuts from agencies; and that now, there is a letter saying that he takes our T-shirts and sells them from his girlfriend’s shop in Ibadan. I asked him whether it was true or false. Of course, he started perspiring in my heavily air-conditioned office. So, I said, You see, I warned you. And because God is a God of justice but also a loving God, He will let you get away with a lot of things, hoping that you will desist. But if you don’t, because God loves me too, He will make me to catch you.’ I said,

One person came to me and said, ‘Oga, the problem with you is that your standards are too high.’ I said I don’t believe it. My standards are ordinary–do good, don’t lie, don’t steal and all that

‘

guished himself through hard work and honesty, two major attributes that drew the attention of his expatriate bosses to him. His exemplar character paved the way for his emergence as the first black Managing Director of the confectionary company. Dr. Kolade’s stellar performance as Managing Director at the multinational confectionary company qualified him for another record breaking appointment as he again was chosen as the first black Chairman of the company. Kolade excelled at Cadbury Nigeria Plc as a result of his unique leadership style of making sure he did what he requested his subordinates to do. He simply led by example. Revealing the secret behind his great achievements at Cadbury, he said, “In managing any group of human beings, you can talk to them, you can show them specific things that you want them to see. They are watching you. For instance, if you say that work starts at 8 o’clock and l expect everybody to be punctual......guess what? They are waiting for you to arrive,” he said. “That is why when I teach classes, I ask them: ‘In your organisation, who is the last person to arrive?’ Usually, it’s the boss. That’s not the way to live. Until the boss gets here, the rest of us are doing what we like. But when the boss is here, we know that he or she is there. So, your own conduct and comportment are to show a good example”. Apart from leading by example, the practice of good corporate governance is another factor that contributed to Dr. Kolade’s success as chief executive of Cadbury Plc. For instance, he discouraged staff of

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‘I’m not going to dismiss you now but go and write me a letter, telling me what you want me to do for you now.’ I told him if he didn’t quickly reach me, I was going to write him a letter. Of course, the man wrote me immediately and said he was resigning; and that we should just pay him his benefits and let him go,” he said. Dr. Kolade believes that “if you don’t push too hard, people will be cynical at the beginning but when they discover that you are consistent in dealing with those things that you do, then, they will begin to say at least, that’s what he does.” Another example which he readily gives to buttress his sound management style while with Cadbury run thus: “At one meeting, I told all the staff that ‘I don’t want bribery, corruption and all sorts. Now, everybody here, if you know of anything that I am doing that is contrary to what I am telling you, don’t tell me, tell the world. Tell the world that I am not practising what I am preaching. But if I catch you, I’m going to deal with you.’ “One person came to me and said, ‘Oga, the problem with you is that your standards are too high.’ I said I don’t believe it. My standards are ordinary–do good, don’t lie, don’t steal and all that. Children are taught that. So, why should anybody think that is too high for him as an adult? So, make the effort, be consistent and those who are cynical about you will see that at least you are consistent with your madness,” he recalled. Unfortunately, however, the standards which Cadbury was

reputed for during Kolade’s tenure did not last for so long after his exit from the company. This attributes and standard were callously rubbished by his successor, and for Dr. Kolade, only death can take away the pain he feels for such dishonesty. “It was painful but there is one lesson I learnt long ago. If you look at the things I have done in my career, you would see that I have occupied one position or another. And the Lord said to me earlier that when you are doing something, give it all your attention and effort. But when I move you to the next phase, turn your back to that one and face a new thing because the new thing still requires the whole of your effort, intelligence and so on. So, much as it pains me to see what has happened to Cadbury Nigeria, I have taken comfort in the fact that one day, I’m going to leave the world and whatever is happening in the world after will not be my concern any longer. Same thing, when I leave a position, if they come to me for advice, I can give them. But my responsibility in Cadbury was to prepare my successor the best way that I could. Not only to give him the teaching that he needed, but also to show him, by my own personal example, how I felt one should run such a place. At the end of the day, you cannot do it for the man. The day you vacate that place, you have to say to him, it is now your responsibility; you can no longer share it with him. And that is my philosophy. It was painful but I got over the pain” he recalled. As a diplomat, Kolade left a legacy that will long be remem-

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Monday, September 24, 2012

Kolade (right) at the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme meeting

I said, for instance, this thing we have been discussing at this conference is the advanced fee fraud, 419. And you have pinpointed Nigeria as the place that this 419 is coming from. I said there is something funny about the 419 practitioners; they have no market in Nigeria. Anybody who sets out to do 419 in Nigeria and tells me he is the grandson of Uthman Dan Fodio, certainly knows that I’m going to laugh because he cannot reign over me with that kind of thing. The market for 419ners is in the West. So, if that market were to disappear, do you know those people will be out of business? Therefore, my advice to this conference is that we take this thing as a joint problem. Let’s all make the best of it. You try to educate your people so that they don’t fall for these people. At home, we have set up EFCC and ICPC to deal with this people. So, we are trying. You make your own effort and let’s see how it goes. At the end of it, an Inspector of Police came to me and said he never thought of it in that light before. I said yes, but the reality is that no 419 practitioner succeeds in Nigeria without an overseas market. So, if people overseas will do something about their market, we will soon get out of trouble”. Successive administrations at the federal level in Nigeria continue to find Dr. Kolade trustworthy for big national assignments. In 1991, during the administration of President Olusegun Obasanjo, before Dr. Kolade was picked to represent Nigeria as a diplomat in the United Kingdom, he served as Chairman of the Committee set up to review contract awards by past governments, particularly the regime of the late General Sanni Abacha and General Abdulsalami Abubakar. Expect-

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As a diplomat, Kolade left a legacy that will long be remembered in the annals of Nigerian diplomatic missions. As a matter of fact, his name was almost dropped from the list of recommended diplomats in 1999 just because he was deemed too truthful to be a diplomat

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bered in the annals of Nigerian diplomatic missions. As a matter of fact, his name was almost dropped from the list of recommended diplomats in 1999 just because he was deemed too truthful to be a diplomat, but he proved his critics wrong simply by demonstrating that diplomacy is not about changing the truth but addressing issues objectively. “I don’t think there is any human being that is forced to tell a lie. If you make up your mind not to tell a lie, believe me, there is no reason in the world for you to tell a lie in the cause of anything. Also, God has helped us, if I had been High Commissioner 50 years ago, before Internet, Twitter, Facebook, then, I could say to people that this is what is happening in Nigeria that it is not because they have no other way they could find out. These days, many things that are happening in Nigeria, I found out via the Internet. So, you can’t hide these things any more. They asked me this question before I left, knowing that I am an honest person. And I said, ‘Watch me.” One of his first tests as a diplomat was when the University of Oxford had a dinner and he asked to give the after-dinner speech on corruption, obviously because since he came from what they considered to be the height of corruption must know a thing or two. “I said to them, we in Nigeria have our own fair share of criminals. There are people whose lives are dedicated to committing crime, just as you have here. So, all countries suffer from the same thing. So, it is no longer news and we should not concentrate on the fact that there are criminals everywhere. What we should concentrate on is: what are the people doing about these criminals?

edly, Dr. Kolade did an exceptional job of the assignment, turning out mind bogging reports of how national resources were squandered. In January this year, President Goodluck Jonathan also appointed Dr. Kolade as Chairman of the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P), saddled with the responsibility to manage huge sums of money accruing from petrol subsidy for the betterment of Nigerians. Though Kolade was criticised in some quarters for taking the appointment, he believes he has taken the right decision for the Nigerian masses. In spite of the stand of his critics about his acceptance of the offer to serve as Chairman of SURE-P, a good number of Nigerians believe Kolade had taken the right step to serve his people once again. Opeyemi Agbaje of Resources and Trust Company Limited says Dr. Kolade is an excellent choice to

head SURE-P and expressed the hope that he would execute the mandate successfully. Bayo Olugbemi, Managing Director, First Registrars Limited likewise supported the views of Agbaje as he said Dr. Kolade is one of very few Nigerians that can be called men of integrity who will not allow his finger to be soiled. “I am sure he is a man that cannot be easily bought or compromised”. He stressed that if subsidy removal is what the government of the day feels she needs to grow the economy and block leakages, and then the appointment of Dr. Kolade to chair the SURE-P Fund is not a bad idea. An economist, Tunde Oyediran also eulogised the choice of Dr. Kolade as Chairman of SURE-P, saying, he is seen to be upright and with high level of integrity. He has impacted positively and in a tremendous way to adding values to organizations and institutions he headed at different times over

the years. Rendering an account of the stewardship of the Committee of SURE-P recently, Dr. Kolade revealed that a sum of N105 billion has so far been released to be spent on various developmental projects in the country in seven months. “If you are careful to look at the media publications by the Federal Ministry of Finance, you can see that N15 billion is being approved monthly by the Federal Government and if you do the calculation it amounts to N105 in seven months, excluding August but in the spending, the payments will not be approved until projects have been verified”, he said. The SURE-P Chairman also revealed that progress are being made at various ongoing works being handled by the six subcommittees of SURE-P, including maternal and child health, community service, women and youth employment, infrastructural development, public works and vocational training. Dr. Kolade however noted that while they are poised to ensure that the promises of the Federal Government are achieved for the benefit of the public, which he said is visible in the number of projects they have been able to commence, payment he said will not be made until they are satisfied with the work being done. Besides SURE-P, the indefatigable octogenarian is involved in a number of activities which makes him as engaged as ever. He is the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Pan-African University where he also teaches Corporate Governance and Human Resources Management. His experience as a former media practitioner is handy to lecture on Leadership and Conflict Management at the School of Media and Communication (SMC) owned by Pan-African University. Dr. Kolade also has served in many national and international bodies being one time President of the Nigerian Institute of Management between 1985 and 1988, The Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (198893). He was the President of the International Institute for Communications for two years and for seven years, President of the World Association for Christian Communication. At the corporate level, Dr. Kolade is the Chairman, Board of Directors of SystemSpecs and PSC Industries Limited, a Solar Electricity and Renewable energy total Solutions Provider. He is also the founding patron and a director of the Nigeria Leadership Initiative. Dr. Kolade has promoted business integrity in Nigeria through his chairmanship of organisations such as Integrity Organisation and The Convention on Business Integrity. BC

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ThebuddingEntrepreneurs

Running

with her

dream

She spent 12 years for a normal five-year course in Pharmacy, but rather than get discouraged, she trudged on. Today, she is not only one of the best known pharmacist in Nigeria, her business initiative, Health on Wheels, has also thrown her into global applause, emerging as one of the winners of the prestigious Goldman Sachs 10000 women scholarship programme. Her name is Mosunmola Dosunmu. By Salami Semiu

osunmola Dosumu, 41, a trained pharmacist obviously knew what she wanted when she stuck to pharmacy as a course of study in the university. And when a course that normally runs for five years stretched into 12 year, rather than get discouraged, Mosun remained focused and determined to see it through. Upon qualifying as a trained pharmacist, Mosun did her Internship programme at Swipha, a pharmaceutical company in Lagos where she was fortunate to work with a boss who challenged and inspired her to aim high. As an Intern, her allowance was a meagre N5, 000 per month and had to work for another retail pharmacy from 5pm to 9pm, for an extra N3, 000 per month as a way of augmenting her monthly income. Not deterred by her meagre income, Mosun remained focused and exude tremendous passion for her chosen career. However, her inspiration for entrepreneurship came after she read “Rich Dad, Poor Dad” by Robert Kiyosaki. Fortunately for her, Mosun’s husband, a medical doctor, also have a flair for business. After reading the book, she felt the compelling need to go into business, but she convinced herself that the business must run along her professional line. However, what really gave Mosun the needed spark to give it a shot was the N115, 000 the family received as gifts at the

naming ceremony of their first son. After considering a number of options, Mosun and her husband decided to use it as startup capital for a pharmaceutical store. The entire “seed money” as she calls it, was used to purchase drugs. To pay the rent, they borrowed N250, 000 from her husband’s client, and had to embark on an aggressive savings from their salaries for six months for enough money to put the shop in order. Mosun effectively used her previous contacts and relationships to get other drugs on credit from some pharmaceutical companies and that essentially led to the birth of HealthServe Pharmacy, her first business endeavour. The pharmacy was officially opened on a Sunday and at the close of business that day, HealthServe made a total sales of N7,000. Today, however, HealthServe Pharmacy operates from about four locations in Lagos and has close to 20 employees. As an add on to HealthServe, Mosun also runs Health On Wheels, does training and gives inspirational speeches and health talks. Incidentally, the idea of Health on Wheels, a service she runs by visiting companies, government agencies, rural areas, taxi parks, religious gatherings, etc to give health talks, was an idea that developed from her running of HealthServe Pharmacy. Health on Wheels provides mobile health tests to screen for serious health problems such as

Dosunmu

high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol levels and diabetes. The objective of the programme, according to Mosun is to promote healthy living by reducing morbidity and mortality rate amongst Nigerians giving rise to a healthy nation. The idea for Health on Wheels grew out of a study she conducted at her Health Serve pharmacies that found four out

of 10 people evaluated were either hypertensive, had high cholesterol or were diabetic. Incidentally, the story of Health on Wheels equally has its root in another opportunity that came Mosun’s way when she got enlisted for the Goldman Sachs Entrepreneurship Development Service programme which is run in partnership with the Lagos Business School.

While a student in the Goldman Sachs program, she and her classmates were asked to suggest new ideas for businesses and when she discussed the survey and put forth her Health on Wheels idea, she got strong encouragement from her professor. “I felt it was not such a good idea,” says Mosun, “but now I’m running with it.” Her emergence as a Goldman Sachs scholarship beneficiary did not come easy, just like her pursuit of her course as a pharmacist. After two attempts, she finally secured the EDS; Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women Scholarship to attend a Certificate Course in Entrepreneurship Management, the programme that she admits completely changed her business orientation and acumen. It was at the EDS programme, which offered her tremendous network of small business people and friends, that she met Florence Ohale, who ultimately became one of Mosun’s greatest benefactors. It was Florence that convinced her to apply for the Group Study Exchange Programme of Rotary Club International. Barely 12 hours after she submitted her application online, Mosun received an invitation to come to Abuja for a 7pm interview the next day. On the appointment day, Mosun did not inform her husband about the trip to Abuja, as she feared

Management Principles

Time Management Tips

i ime management skills kill are especially i ll iimportant ffor business people, particularly small business persons who often find themselves performing many different jobs during the course of a single day. These time management tips will help you increase your productivity and stay cool and collected.

Realize that time management is a myth. No matter how organized we are, there are always only 24 hours in a day. Time doesn’t change. All we can actually manage is ourselves and what we do with the time that we have. Find out where you’re wasting time. Many of us are prey to time-wasters that steal time we could be using much more productively. What are your time-bandits? Do you spend too much time ‘Net surfing, reading email, or making personal calls? Tracking Daily Activities explains how to track your activities so you can form a accurate picture of what you actually do, the first step to effective time management. Create time management goals Remember, the focus of time management is actually changing your behaviours, not changing time. A good place to start is by eliminating your personal time-wasters. For one week, for example, set a goal that you’re not going to take personal phone calls while you’re working and for a fun, look at behaviours that can interfere with successful time management. Implement time management plan. This is as an extension of the third tip. The objective is to change your behaviours over time to achieve whatever general goal you’ve set for yourself, such as increasing your productivity or decreasing your stress. So you need to not only set your specific goals, but track them over time to see whether or not you’re accomplishing them Use time management tools Whether it’s a Day-Timer or a software program, the first step to physically manage your time is to know where it’s going now and planning how you’re going to spend your time in the future. A soft-

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Business Courage A13 29

Monday, September 24, 2012

ThebuddingEntrepreneurs he might discourage her from this “shadow chasing” tour to America. “I was going to tell him after I had arrived Abuja,” she recalled. Unfortunately for her, she missed the 12 noon flight to Abuja and had to pay an additional charge to be on the 3:30 pm flight, which was delayed for another two hours. She finally landed in Abuja at 7pm (the exact time for the interview), only to discover that her luggage was missing and in the process of scrambling all over for it, she sprained her ankle. Frustrated and upset, she called Florence from the airport to say she was heading back to Lagos but again, Florence persuaded her to go for the interview and by the time she finally got to the interview venue at 8:45pm, the panel had already finished for the day and was having dinner. Luckily, she was still interviewed after narrating her ordeal and out of 35 candidates that applied for the sponsorship, Mosun was one of the four that passed, to go on to the next stage, the following day. The second stage of the interview was on March 10, 2010 and she had to prove to the panellist that she was involved with a project that had the potential to impact on the country positively. “It was a project I started but had to abandon for lack of confidence. I discussed this

Personal Finance Entrepreneurs major shortfalls

ou have an idea for a new business and the wheels are in motion. You are certain that this is the business idea that will change your life and you are ready to take the next step. As an entrepreneur, you are aware of all the risks but are also encouraged by the potential financial reward and success. There is no official entrepreneurial handbook to follow to ensure your idea will take off, but there are several big mistakes you can avoid when getting your business off the ground.

project on our second day at the EDS Goldman Sachs Class and received a rousing ovation. Very quickly, my classmates embraced Health On Wheels, with volunteers for its re-branding and re-launching. I was chosen to represent my Zone and to proceed to the last stage,” she recalled. This final stage involved written test and presentation skills. She scored 56 in the written test while the cut off mark was 60. “I asked to see my answer sheet and spotted a mistake in the marking. This made them add an additional 3 marks, giving me 59,” yet, she still did not meet the cut off mark. However, at that stage, Mo-

ware program such as Outlook, for instance, lets you schedule events easily and can be set to remind you of events in advance, making your time management easier. Prioritize ruthlessly. You should start each day with a time management session prioritizing the tasks for that day and setting your performance benchmark. If you have 20 tasks for a given day, how many of them do you truly need to accomplish? Learn to delegate and/or outsource. No matter how small your business is, there’s no need for you to be a one-person show. For effective time management, you need to let other people carry some of the load. Establish routines and stick to them as much as possible. While crises will arise, you’ll be much more productive if you can follow routines most of the time. Set time limits for tasks. For instance, reading and answering email can consume your whole day if you let it. Instead, set a limit of one hour a day for this task and stick to it. Organise your systems Are you wasting a lot of time looking for files on your computer? Take the time to organize a file management system. Is your filing system slowing you down? Redo it, so it’s organized to the point that you can quickly lay your hands on what you need. Don’t waste time waiting. From client meetings to dentist appointments, it’s impossible to avoid waiting for someone or something. But you don’t need to just sit there and twiddle your thumbs. Always take something to do with you, such as a report you need to read or just a blank pad of paper that you can use to plan your next marketing campaign. Technology makes it easy to work wherever you are; your PDA and/ or cell phone will help you stay connected. You can be in control and accomplish what you want to accomplish - once you’ve come to grips with the time management myth and taken control of your time. BC

sun said she was happy with her performance and proudly carried her luggage and proceeded to board a taxi to Abuja airport, back to Lagos. “I was pleased as I had discovered something more about myself from the experience. It also reinforced what I learnt in class - an entrepreneur cannot fail,” she recalled. Just then, she was called back and advised to complete the whole interview. At the last stage, she was asked to make an on-the-spot presentation on Nigeria, which she did to a very loud ovation from the panel and was qualified as one of the first four candidates to represent Nigeria in the final scholarship slot. But that wasn’t the end of the story. Of the six successful awardees, only the first four to successfully obtain visas were to travel to the state of Illinois, United States of America. Again, Mosun encountered serious challenges trying to register online for the US visa, at both Abuja and Lagos. This continued for over a week. Unfortunately, out of the six, four others were given visa leaving her and one other lady .Despite all the discouragement; she still went ahead for her visa appointment. Finally, another lady showed up along with Mosun at the embassy for the final slot but fortunately this time, it was Mosun who was successful but then, she had another hurdle to cross. Four people were to proceed on the trip but five of them had visas but alas, one of the candidates had to step down for me to proceed for my journey to Illinois. It was after her return to Nigeria that the Health on Wheel fully developed into a serious business idea. Mosun Dosunmu’s business is marked by characteristics that can help make it successful, including innovation, education, training, focus and determination and doggedness. However, Health on Wheels still faces challenges such as the cost of the service, weak promotion and a lack of infrastructure and security in the country. BC

Not having a business plan A business cannot survive without a detailed assessment of all of its requirements. Before launching your business, write up a business plan complete with long- and short-term goals, financial objectives and projected overhead costs. Ask and answer all of the questions you may have, such as: •What obstacles will you face? •How will you raise capital? •Where do you see your company in the future? A business plan is the best way to flesh out all of the details before taking all of the risks. Potential investors will also want to see your business plan before making any decisions to support your endeavours. A detailed business plan will not give you a glimpse into the future, but it will help you determine if your business will have legs. Focusing too much on your product You love your idea. You may care for it as if it was your own child, but you need to consider sales, marketing and promotion ideas once you are ready to move forward. Ask yourself: Who will buy your idea? Is there a large enough audience interested? How will you reach them? Do you need to tweak your idea at all to give it more mass appeal? As an entrepreneur, you need to consider all aspects of your business and not just the idea itself. Take a step away and try to look at the business objectively. Find your niche, find your audience, and get your message out there. Making it all about the money You may have received a generous amount of funding from investors, or there may be an initial burst of interest that sparks new found cash flow. Still, you must remember to stay within your means and think before you spend. Pay your employees, cover your costs, pay yourself (enough to live and eat), and then reassess. Reassessing your business means you should consider: Hiring more employees or scaling back, looking at your overhead and see if it needs any adjustments, upgrading your technology and increase your advertising budget. If you are experiencing good fortune, reinvest into your business so it will thrive. The new car, new house, over-the-top advertising campaigns, extravagant client parties, and lavish vacations can wait. Take care of the business so it will take care of you. Hiring the wrong people Your good friends provide you with support, camaraderie, advice, and even good business partners. Conversely, your friends may not always be the best employees. Your best friend may know the best jokes, but does he know anything about marketing? Can he handle the finances or the advertising? The best businesses hire the best-qualified employees, so take careful consideration in how you staff your company. Starting your own business is not a game. You should be able to enjoy the process, but not at the expense of losing everything by making poor employee choices. Hire friends with the strongest qualifications, employ the right applicants for other positions, and keep your other friends on hand for moral support. Ignoring the legal aspects Early on in your venture, you may unwittingly make legal errors. As your business progresses, these issues can snowball and create even larger, insurmountable problems that will deter success. Hire a qualified attorney at the onset and let him/her address all of your legal concerns. Your attorney will be there to answer your questions, deal with the legal problems, and navigate your business through any choppy waters. You will inevitably have missteps along the way, but learn from the mistakes and use them to improve your business. Know that you have done the research, made the best-informed decisions, prepared yourself sufficiently, and once in a while allow yourself to let the chips fall where they may and then react accordingly. BC BC

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National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Scammers still on the prowl

Internet scammers are getting more sophisticated, deploying various strategies to defraud their victims and creating an atmosphere of fear and insecurity in Nigeria’s emerging e-commerce sub-sector By Adejuwon Osuunuyi

n recent time, while the world has continued to grow into a global village, the Internet, through which this is made possible, has equally remained ubiquitous, affordable and mostly accessible. In Nigeria, just like the rest of the world, the growing number of people with internet access, especially through the mobile phones has been amazing. With over 60 million Internet users and 96 million mobile phone subscribers, Nigeria remains Africa’s largest mobile and Internet market. Among most Nigerians, the use of the Internet varies. While many use the internet to visit social media such as Facebook, Twitter, Google+, etc, other use the internet for other serious business activities. The financial institutions have equally stepped up efforts to integrate electronic payment system to enable Nigerians transact business online, a step that is expected to accelerate the nation’s e-commerce growth. But despite the many advantages that come along with the use of the Internet, the negative impact of cybercrime on businesses has continued to create fears in the mind of users and potential online users. This is moreso as it has been discovered that with the web, fraud now come from anywhere on the planet as fraudsters take advantage of the speed and easy accessibility of the Internet. Now, distance is no longer a barrier as it is cheaper to use fraudulent, deceptive “spamming” e-mails and web pages to dupe unsuspecting victims. Interestingly, the Internet also makes it easier for con artists to cover their tracks. While on daily basis, cases of cybercrime have been on

the increase, a number of institutions, particularly internet banking and other online transactions, have become targets of cyber criminals, with varying degrees of sophistication and success. Investigations by Business Courage revealed that dubious persons send scam email messages to victims requesting information like login accounts and passwords amongst others in order to defraud the unsuspecting preys. As the case maybe, theft of identity, spamming, unauthorised access, cyber bullying, cyber stalking, amongst others, are becoming the order of the day. Examples of such schemes are: Auction and Retail Online, Business Opportunity/”Workat-Home”, Online Identity Theft, Fraud Market Manipulation, Investment, Online charity, credit-card, lottery/prize-promotion, advance-fee and spammed E-mails (unsolicited E-mails). For many, the most familiar scam which many fall victims of in recent time is the email spam. The e-mail spam, as it is called, is flooding the Internet with many copies of the same message, in an attempt to force the message on people who would not otherwise choose to receive it. Most spam is commercial advertising, often for dubious products, get-richquick schemes, or quasi-legal services. Spam costs the sender very little to send as most of the costs are paid for by the recipient or the carriers rather than by the sender. To some extent, it is obvious that spam has grown to be a major concern for Internet users and policy makers not only for congesting networks and disseminating viruses and

fraudulent messages, but also for undermining trust in the Internet and the digital economy. One particularly nasty variant of email spam is sending spam to mailing lists (public or private email discussion forums.) Because many mailing lists limit activity to their subscribers, spammers will use automated tools to subscribe to as many mailing lists as possible, so that they can grab the lists of addresses, or use the mailing list as a direct target for their attacks. Although a lot of people are becoming bolder and wiser when it comes to using the internet, checks revealed that, a lot of people are still unaware of the internet-related crimes as they continue to fall victims. Many of those that fall into this category are those that respond to series of the internet fraud alert allegedly sent by banks asking them to update their data. Coming with the exact logos of the banks on cloned websites, to a potential customer, the messages look harmless and helpful. But where the harm has always been is the area where the customer is asked to enter his password. Through this, checks revealed that once the password is supplied, the scammers get unrestricted access into the victims’ account and carry out the harm. Anthony Emeana, an internet user, recalled the agonising experienced he had that wiped off his entire account worth millions of naira. Emeana said that responding to a message he thought had come from his bank had been his albatross. According to him, the message, “Dear Valued Customer, It is mandatory that you update your internet banking profile.

This is a new procedure to prevent Phishing attacks. We shall disable your internet banking if not updated immediately as we are not going to be responsible for any loss as a result of disregarding this message. HOW TO UPDATE: Simply Download Attached Form Fill and Submit,” was all the scammers needed to hack into his account. This is because according to him, he later learnt from the bank that his password which a section of the form he filled had asked him to submit had made the scammers get access into his account. Aside Emeana, there are many other Nigerians who are daily falling victims of the bank account update scam. Though the banks have continued to warn their customers not to divulge their password or Personal Identification Number (PIN), Biola Ameso, another internet user, who said she has become

Isiavwe

very sceptical, and would rather have nothing to do with the internet and other internet-related activities noted that it takes common sense to keep out of trouble and avoid becoming a victim of cybercrime. “The way the messages come is always very convincing and original. But you must use your common sense.” According to her, some crimes could easily be prevented with better implementation of technology. “Ignoring emails requesting passwords, and updating anti-virus, can help deter some risk of identity theft, spamming, among others,” she counselled. Aside the bank update scam, the scammers seem to have moved to the social media especially the dating sites. How does the romance scams work? Romance scammers normally target social websites especially religious sites where they suspect they can find honest victims. In most cases, they create a profile with nice looking fake picture to make their victims get attracted to them. On facebook, twitter, netlog and other sites, to get hook to their victims, they send spam messages such as “My name is Vivian Fugar, after reading your short profile here I took interest in you, and I really have vital information relating to my life and future that I want to disclose to you, so please reply me with my email address here (fugarvivian2012 @yahoo.com)where I will be able to write to you to tell you more about me and also send to you my attached photo.” While they try to create good sounding relationship with unsuspecting victim, most of them regularly contact the victim through various ways including phone calls until they gain

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Monday, September 24, 2012

Technotips the trust of the victim. The scammer exchanges photographs that are not real and in some cases, send gift to the victim. After the scammer has established the illusion but meaningful relationship, he or she begins to ask the victim for money. In doing so, they tell their unsuspecting “lovers” pathetic stories that something terrible had happened to them or their family and desperately in need of money or may ask an airfare in order to meet the victim. Once they are able to achieve their aim, they cut off all communications or in some cases ask for more money. However, in some cases, the scammer will ask the victim to cash a fake Ajayi money order or cheque for them and wire the money. While banks might not be able to verify the validity of the money order right away and go ahead to cash the money order, later, the victim founds out that he is being responsible for the cashed fake money order plus any penalties and legal prosecutions. Michael Wellington, a computer analyst, blaming most Nigerians who fall victims of cybercrime as being gullible, maintains that “(Nigerians) are just great at social engineering. They keep finding new victims. According to him, there are plenty of variations on the cyber scam as the scammers apparently keep up with the news. “In 2001, instead of a Nigerian barrister, the missing money belonged to an Iraqi national, persecuted under Saddam Hussein. The year before, it was family of victims of the Concorde plane crash. Earlier this year, it was a tsunami victim; then, a US soldier killed in Iraq during the war on terror. Anything to get an edge, or to catch victims with their guard down.” Stakeholders in the information and communications technology (ICT) industry have insisted that the passage of an enabling legislature on Nigerians cyber space remains the best choice to tame the problem. Recent studies, they stated, have shown that people are more likely to engage in offensive or illegal behaviour online because of the perception of anonymity, thus cybercriminals exploit the rights and privileges of a free society, including anonymity. According to a publication on “Understanding Cybercrime” on the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) website: “The adoption by all countries of appropriate legislation against the misuse of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), for criminal or other purposes, including activities intended to affect the integrity of national critical information infrastructures,

is central to achieving global cyber security. The publication further stated that since threats could originate anywhere around the globe, the challenges are inherently international in scope and thus requires international cooperation, investigative assistance, and common substantive and procedural provisions. David Isiavwe, one of members of the Nigerian Cybercrime Working Group (NCWG) constituted to draft the first bill on Nigerian Cybercrime Act, in 2004, lamented the non-existent of a cyber-law eight years after. It would be recalled that former President Olusegun Obasanjo had inaugurated the Nigerian Cyber-crime Working Group (NCWG), on March 10, 2004. Before then, he had formed a 15-member committee consisting of representatives from the government and private sector with the task of designing solutions for Nigerian internet-based fraud and cybercrime. While the committee then had formed the Nigerian Cybercrime Working Group (NCWG), after several months of hard work and determination, the NCWG presented a ‘Draft Nigerian Cybercrime Act’ to the President. “Everyone, including the students, employers of labour as well as employees in public and private sectors, financial institutions, telecoms operators and other organisations in the country must know that cybercrime is real, and seek to be protected.” he said. Executive Director, Paradigm Initiative, Gbenga Sesan, noted that the absence of an enabling law left vacuums and chaos in any given society and much to be desired. According to him, “The fact that there is no cybercrime legislation existing in Nigeria means that cybercrime is not exactly considered as a crime in this country.” To him, “Except the prosecutor is able to use an amalgamation of laws to prove that a crime has been committed, there is no crime.

For a country that has an unfair reputation in relation to cybercrime, the fact that the National Assembly has not been able to pass any of the cybercrime bills since 2004 makes Nigeria look unserious. Lanre Ajayi, President, Associations of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria, (ATCON) , said in a recent forum in Lagos that that the growing wave of cybercrimes in the country without much effort from the government to pass into law, pending bills aimed at criminalising the acts, remains a major drawback to the development of e-commerce in Nigeria. Ajayi, who described the delay being faced by some cybercrime-related bills in the National Assembly as uncalled-for, said it was important that cybercrimes be put under control if e-Commerce and other online transactions must thrive in the country. He noted that facilitating electronic payment transactions as being driven by the Central Bank of Nigeria in collaboration with the banks as well as boosting the overall e-commerce in the country would require the government to enact appropriate laws to criminalise some bad online behaviour while embarking on massive campaign on how to use the Internet as tool for job and wealth creation as alternative to online scam and cybercrime, and maintained that increasing shift of commerce to the Internet had been the trend in many part of the world. However, to get protected from being scammed, an internet user is advised to always be able to recognize a scam. “If you plan to use the Internet at all for your business, personal or social needs, save yourself a lot of time and energy by knowing the different types of scams out there so you can bypass them altogether.” While an internet user is not expected to never reply anyone running such a scheme, it is also advisable to use your Internet e-mail service to block junk or ‘spam’ e-mails. Check your online service for ways to reduce unsolicited commercial e-mail. Also, it is essential never to download an e-mail attachment from an unknown sender as it could be a virus. Most of the times, these type of email that contains virus might come from a know sender, but once it asks you to open an application, be sure it is a virus. As an internet user, don’t respond to any mail that asks for money upfront as even If such an offer is too good to be true, don’t believe it. While you should understand that nobody is on the Internet with the sole purpose of making you rich, investigate Internet-related business opportunities just as you would investigate any business opportunity. BC

How to use BlackBerry Parental Controls

i t h t h e r e cent reported cases of misuse of social network sites, particularly with more kids making use of smartphones, many parents are increasingly becoming uncomfortable with the negative exposures which children are daily inundated with. The good news, however, is that, parents and guardians can now have rest of mind as the Blackerry phone now has Parental Controls app. The BlackBerry Parental Controls is now available in the BlackBerry App World storefront for customers with a BlackBerry 6 or BlackBerry 7 OS smartphone while those using BlackBerry Device Software 5, a compatible version of Parental Controls is expected to be made available in the near future. Parental Controls is an integrated feature that provides parents and guardians simple options to help them protect their children by restricting access to specific functions, features and applications. You might not think it’s obvious, but one segment of customers that can benefit from BlackBerry security are teens – they may even be children – with phones provided by their parents or guardian. If you provide a BlackBerry smartphone to a teen or child, you can have a peace of mind as you set limits on what features or services your child can have access to. To activate this app, provided you are using a BlackBerry 6 or BlackBerry 7 OS smartphone, open BlackBerry App World on your smartphone and search for Parental Controls, or use the “Scan A Barcode” feature (Menu >“Scan a Barcode”) A couple examples of the restrictions you can t set by going to Options -> Security -> Parental Controls are: Camera – A control to disable use of the camera for both still pictures and video. Upon attempting to launch the Camera application, the user would be provided with the message “Camera has been blocked.” Phone – Limit the phone to receive calls only from phone numbers that exist in the contacts application. This feature will block incoming phone calls from in unknown callers. Other features where you can also restrict include text messages, Bluetooth file transfer, location services, Browser, Application installation, Email account setup, Facebook, Twitter, Messenger and BlackBerry Messenger. BC

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is simple and intuitive to use. After plugging it into your iOS device, the iDrifta device redirects the user directly to the DStv Mobile application on the apple store and the user only needs to download it for free to start watching their favourite programmes. This means that viewers with Apple mobile devices can now access our full range of channels anywhere, anytime – from Sound City all the way through to SuperSport 3N,” he said. Ugbe

DStv mulls local assembly of decoders

Ericsson backs SingTel with 4G/LTE network deployment

Stories by Kunle Azeez

nd-to-end telecommunications solutions provider, Ericsson, has officially announced its support for SingTel to launch Singapore’s first commercial 4G/LTE. SingTel’s 3G networks have been upgraded to offer 42Mbps peak speeds using dual carrier technology (DC-HSPA) to support superior mobile broadband experience. Ericsson’s end-to-end IP solution includes multi-standard radio-access network with RBS 6000, Evolved Packet Core and Evolved Packet Gateway on SSR

ultiChoice, Nigeria’s leading pay-TV provider, said it was considering local assembly of the decoders and other devices used to provide satellite broadcasting services and for other value-added services to its subscribers in the country. The company, however, said it could not make any categorical statement on the plan for now until firm agreement has been signed for such initiatives, which it assured will boost local content development policy of the Federal Government and also provide jobs for the citizens. Managing Director, Multichoice Nigeria, John Ugbe disclosed this at the launch of the iDrifta and Walka, a new range of devices, building on its range of pioneering devices in market such as the Drifta, Drifta USB and Walka. “We are already looking at the issue of local assembly of our recorders and other devices. Though I’m apprehensive to make any categorical statement as regards that for now, I want to assure you that once we have a firm agreement in place; such an initiative will be a fine idea,” he said. He said that the company is already looking at the issue because “we believe in local contents and this can be attested to by the number of channels we currently have on Dstv platform to showcase Nigerian and African cultures. African Magic channels are examples and others.” Speaking on the newlylaunched devices, General Manager of DStv Mobile Nigeria, Mayo Okunola , said the iDrifta is a plug and play mobile DVB-H receiver specifically designed for Apple mobile devices. He said the device was portable and lightweight, and will allow users with Apple devices to enjoy all of the great entertainment they have come to expect from DStv Mobile. “Compatible with the iPod 4th generation, iPhone 4/4S and iPad 1/2/3, the iDrifta

Moon

8000 Smart Services Routers in a full turnkey project SingTel was the first operator to launch commercial 4G/LTE services in Singapore. Ericsson is a partner for this advanced network deployment. Ericsson’s long term relationship with SingTel began with the delivery of the operator’s existing 2G networks. Ericsson played an important role in transforming SingTel’s current 2G/3G network into a multi-standard network with 4G/LTE capability through a full turnkey project that includes installation, commissioning and radio optimization services. The SingTel 4G/LTE networks is deployed on both the 1.8GHz and 2.6GHz frequency bands with 80 percent coverage by the end of this year and full island wide coverage by early 2013. SingTel will also deploy heterogeneous network solutions, including small cells designed to cater to high-traffic areas.

To provide a better mobile data experience across networks, the 3G network has been upgraded to peak rates of 42Mbps, using Dual Carrier technology (DC-HSPA). This also gives SingTel the edge to support its range of new 4G/LTE phones now in the market.

Airtel wins three telecoms awards

igeria’s third largest telecoms network in subscriber base, Airtel Nigeria has clinched three industry awards at the eighth edition of the prestigious Nigerian Telecoms Awards. The telecoms operator beat other competitors to emerge the Industry’s Most Innovative Telecom Company of the Year, Telecom Brand of the year and Customer Friendly Operator of the year. According to Awards’ citations, Airtel emerged overall best in the three categories following its enviable strides in charting new paths in meeting the demands and needs of its esteemed stakeholders through superior brand experience, a rich portfolio of innovative products and services ranging from exciting voice solutions to inventive data packages and mobile broadband. On the Customer Friendly Operator Award, the organizers said, “this is the third time Airtel Nigeria is coming tops in the Customer Service category in the history of the Nigerian Telecoms Awards, and this clearly demonstrates the commitment of the management to treat their customers as more than just a connection.” Also emphasising the reasons why Airtel emerged the Telecoms Brand of the Year and the Most Innovative Network, the citation said: “Right from when the Airtel brand was launched in Nigeria in November, 2010, the company has maintained a singular focus of exciting and delighting telecommunications consumers across the country with relevant solutions to enable them fulfill their dreams and realize their full potentials.

Etisalat extends broadband services to Akure Stories by Adejuwon Osunnuyi

n its efforts to offer quality internet service to its customers, Etisalat Nigeria, has formally launched its 3.75G easyblaze broadband service in Akure, Ondo State. The service promises to significantly improve how Etisalat subscribers in the city experience and use the internet on a wide variety of devices while enabling more businesses meet

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their communication needs through super fast connectivity. Speaking at the Deji of Akure’s palace, Chief Commercial Officer, Etisalat Nigeria, Wael Ammar, said that with the launch of the 3.75G HSPA+Easyblaze broadband Service in the city, Etisalat customers can now buy data bundles on mobile phones, smartphones, MiFi and WiFi devices, as well as on USB modems. “The launch of the 3G platform promises changes that will enhance multimedia functionality, high speed mobile broadband and internet access; allowing users to make video calls, watch live videos, send and receive emails and download music from their devices.” According to him, the 3.75G service will offer Etisalat Nigeria subscribers, mobile internet at unrivalled speed. “We all know small and big businesses rely on the internet for communications. With the extension of our easyblaze service to Akure, businesses can access the web much faster and at affordable costs whether through their laptops, mobile phones, smartphones or tablets,” Ammar said. The Deji of Akure, Oba Adebiyi Adegboye Adesida, applauded Etisalat for raising the bar of telecommunication services in the state. Etisalat eazyblaze is a broadband service built with the High Speed Packet Access+ (Dual Carrier) technology, giving customers, fast, high quality and efficient Internet service. The broadband service is available on both Etisalat postpaid and prepaid packages. Etisalat 3G services is currently available in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Ibadan, Kano, Kaduna, Zaria, Warri, Enugu, Aba, Awka, Nnewi, Onitsha, Akure, Ilorin, Uyo, Jos and Benin amongst other cities and continues to extend coverage to more locations across Nigeria.

MasterCard, WFP partner to deliver “digital food”

asterCard and the World Food Programme (WFP) have announced a global partnership that will use digital innovation to help people around the world to break the cycle of hunger and poverty. The game-changing partnership will combine MasterCard’s expertise in electronic payments systems with WFP’s global reach among the world’s hungriest populations to meet the nutritional needs of the most vulnerable. “Our partnership with MasterCard is a great example of how transformative private sector partnerships innovate against hunger,” said Nancy Roman, WFP Director of Com-

munications, Public Policy and Private Partnerships. Roman added that “by drawing on MasterCard’s technical know-how and international reach, WFP will further develop both its electronic voucher programme that enables hungry families around the globe to buy nutritious food in local markets as well as its online donation mechanism that engages individuals and brands in a global community working together to solve hunger.” Where markets are stable, WFP often distributes vouchers that are redeemable in local shops for food and other staple items. These vouchers help boost local economies while allowing poor communities to receive food assistance with dignity. Through the “Digital Food Project,” MasterCard’s payment and technology expertise will help WFP to refine and improve its systems that deliver food vouchers via mobile phones or banking cards to people without regular access to banks or financial services. Ann Cairns, President of International Markets, MasterCard said: “MasterCard’s vision of a world beyond cash is the perfect partner for WFP’s vision of a world beyond hunger. Today we have committed to delivering a ground breaking partnership, which will ensure our Digital Food initiative will go on to meet the requirements of those who need it most around the world.” Alongside the “Digital Food” project, MasterCard will help WFP to create an enhanced online donation mechanism that will enable more people to donate through a wider variety of online payment methods. This enhanced online donation mechanism is part of an “Integrated Giving” platform that will allow brands to integrate donation mechanisms onto their products. Retailers can offer donations at checkout so customers can donate to WFP without having to leave the site. In addition, mobile applications or game developers will be able to offer options to support WFP right from within their applications or game. All donations will be tracked and credited to both the brand and the consumer, offering new opportunities for consumers and brands to work together and have a meaningful, measurable impact on the fight against hunger. Moreover, MasterCard has committed to use its marketing and brand capacity to help raise awareness and funds for WFP in several key markets. MasterCard has already carried out two fundraising campaigns for WFP, in Poland and in the Netherlands, raising tens of thousands of Euros for WFP’s operations around the world. BC

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business Courage A17 33

Monday, September 24, 2012

Reflections with Semiu Salamii 07043280449 sms only

Aviation and the messy stories

he story of the Nigerian aviation industry is a paradox. Just few months ago, Stella Oduah, President Goodluck Jonathan’s aviation minister and a retinue of aides, heads of parastatals under the ministry, the Federal Civil Aviation Agency (FAAN), the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and a few other hangers on went on a jamboree overseas, the one they chose to call “Investment Road Show”. The trip, which drew the ire of many, including members of the national assembly ( who threatened to sanction the minister but ended up, characteristically, doing nothing), was said to be part of the ministry’s investment drives, to seek foreign investments, particularly in the area of infrastructural development to the sector. The jamboree, as many would want to describe it, we were told, yielded some dividends as some Chinese investors made commitment to assist in the area of infrastructural development of the sector. Though there were divergent views as to the desirability or otherwise of the road show, particularly at the time when the country is faced with serious security challenges, strong enough to scare away any foreign investor, the minister and her paid agents strongly defended the action as part of the proactive transformation agenda which Oduah has being implementing in the sector.

Curiously, however, few weeks after the foreign fiesta, the cookies have started to crumble at the homestead. The sector which Oduah claims to be fixing through her transformation projects is showing serious sign of asphyxiation. Few weeks ago, a major player in the aviation business, Air Nigeria suspended operations on domestic, regional and international routes, citing inclement operating environment. The temporary exit of Air Nigeria was such a serious dent on the reputation of Nigeria’s aviation business, especially on the international route which the airline has completely redefined with the best global standard and service delivery. However, if the Air Nigeria’s temporary exit left a sour taste in the mouth, the grounding of Arik Air’s domestic operations last Thursday has further created serious crisis in the sector. As at the moment, only three airlines, IRS, Overland and Aero Contractors run domestic routes, creating chaos of unimaginable proportion in the industry. The case of Arik’s operational suspension is even quite intriguing. The airline is accused of owing several billions of naira to NCAA, FAAN and other agencies as well as the banks, but curiously, none of these institutions has the courage to wield the big stick. It took the two major trade associations in the aviation sector’s intervention to force the airline to suspend its

operation. Surprisingly though, the regulatory agencies were quick to denounce the actions of the unions and distanced themselves from the disruption of the operations of the airline, when in actual fact, the forces behind the workers actions are clearly visible. Isn’t it curious? At what point does an industry regulator relinquish its responsibility of enforcement to labour unions? Quite sadly though, the Arik fiasco is beginning to open what may turn out to be a Pandora box, a revelation of the serious decay and official malfeasance which for long have undermined the growth of this very critical sector of the economy. Arik alleges that Stella Oduah, the self acclaimed aviation industry reformist is behind its current ordeal because of its failure to accede to her request for a five per cent equity stake in the airline. Though the minister is denying the allegation and even threatening to sue the airline for what it termed malicious allegation, the unfolding drama has further exposed the series of atrocious conducts and coercive tendencies with which most government officials carry out their regulatory functions. Recently, there were feelers that the Federal Government, through the same aviation ministry made subtle threat to three major airlines, Air Nigeria, Arik and Aero to fuse together to form a national

carrier. In fact, there are those who believe that the current travails of both Arik and Air Nigeria may not be completely divorced from their refusal to toe the official line. But more curious is the moves by the Senate Committee on Aviation to encourage the ministry to designate Arik as the national carrier. Such pronouncement coming the same day the airline was forced to suspend domestic operation on allegation of massive debts is rather confounding. Besides the fact that the concept of a national carrier is no longer fashionable, pushing for an airline with such a serious burden to be so designated appears to me like a sign of desperation pushed by few elements that are completely out of tune with global best practices in the aviation business. For the allegations and counter allegations, I think it is only natural that the minister should do everything possible not only to clear her name but also ensure that the integrity of the sector is uphold and sustained. Whether guilty or not, it behoves on Stella Oduah to adopt the Barth Nnaji’s option. She needs to step aside from the ministry for independent and unfettered investigations to be conducted on the allegation and many more that looks certain to evolve as the drama unfolds. Unless and until this is done, the aviation sector, presently reeling in chaos and filth would not get the desired reprieve. BC

BELIEVABILITY INDEX

Guinness, your costs are escalating By Festus Okoromadu

igeria’s premium stout producer, Guinness Nigeria Plc, on Monday, September 17, 2012 released its audited accounts for the year ended June 30, 2012, earning it accolade for what the Nigerian Stock Exchange described as a good corporate governance standards by taking appropriate steps to ensure that its financial statements were filed ahead of time”. The Guinness result provides a clear understanding of the growth potentials in the brewing industry in Nigeria as the company recorded growth in turnover. However, Guinness Plc recorded a decline in profit and earnings, owing to the increasing effect of competiton in the market. For instance while the company grew its turnover by 13 per cent year on year in 2011, it managed to grow same by 2.12 per cent in 2012. However, profit before tax and profit after tax which grew by 31 per cent each in 2011 declined by 19.49 and 18.16 per cent respectively in 2012. Earnings indices are not left out of the depreciative performance during the period under review. In 2011, dividend pay-out to investors increased by 21 per cent, while the proposed 2012 dividend already shows a decline of 20 per cent compared to previous year. Similarly, Earnings Per Share (EPS), part of which dividend is paid to shareholders declined by 22.21 per cent in 2012 as against 31 per cent growth recorded in 2011. Details of the 2012 financial account shows that the company generated N126.3 billion as turnover compared with

N123.7 billion, representing 2.12 per cent. Cost of sale rose by 2.14 per cent to N70.1 billion up from N68.62 billion in 2011. Consequently, gross profit stood at N56.2 billion as against N55.04 billion in 2011 or 2.1 per cent increase. But the impact of other cost ingredients such as advert and promotion expenses rose by 14.22 per cent to N11.2 billion in 2012 up from N9.8 billion in 2011; distribution expenses inched up by 18.51 per cent to N13.42 billion from N11.3 billion, and administrative expenses which grew by 16.17 per cent to N9.5 billion from N8.2 billion. The implication of the increasing cost which is assumed to have been driven by competition is the decline in operating profit which nosedived to N22.9 billion from N26.5 billion in 2011 representing 13.86 per cent. The operating profit was further depleted by soaring interest expenses which hit an all time high of N2.1 billion compared with N564.9 million in 2011, representing 270.44 per cent. Although, the business environment can be very unpredictable, listening to Babatunde Savage, Chairman of Board of Directors speak on the situation in Guinness Nigeria in the last Annual General Meeting would give the impression that nothing can go wrong with the brewers. This was how optimistic he saw the nation’s economy and the impact it is expected on Guinness then. “The gradual recovery of the Nigerian economy following the global economic crisis has set the stage for economic growth. The surge of economic activities that followed the global

economic recovery has made great impact on the Nigerian economy, our industry and in effect, our company”. The onus now lies on the chairman of the board to tell investors and the general public how much positive impact the economic recovery has actually made on his company during the year under review. Savage had assured shareholders the company will continue to convert such to positive impact. “Our understanding and insight of the business landscape and brilliant execution of our key initiatives has kept us at the forefront of the industry. Our new investment in capacity expansion projects has positively impacted our business”. But with a not too impressive sales growth, an ever increasing cost and a huge debt portfolio that is demanding regular servicing couple with the inflow of other global competitors into the Nigerian market, can Guinness Nigeria continue to be in the forefront of the industry? As the market awaits the full details of the 2012 financial accounts, it is almost certain the company has failed to meet its own expectations, which Savage alluded to while addressing shareholders during the 2011 AGM.“In spite of the current economic conditions, our faith in the Nigerian economy remains unshaken. We hope that the end of calendar year 2011 will mark the turning point in the recovery of the global economy. We expect the Nigerian economy to grow and we are focused on ensuring that our company benefits from that development,” Savage had said. Though, Savage laid emphasis on

the fact that the company has in recent times continued to invest significantly in the long-term success and growth of its business, he equally submitted that stakeholders expect them to deliver value. According to him, they are aware of the trust reposed on them.“While it is pleasing that we are making progress on the issues that are fundamental to our long term success, I would like to stress that the board of directors understand quite clearly that we cannot afford to be complacent. Our challenge is to ensure that we continue to earn the trust of our esteemed shareholders, our employees, consumers of our products and our communities”. Balancing this equation of satisfying stakeholders is enormous especially in an economy like ours, but Savage and his team must try to achieve just that. Despite, the continuous appreciation of the equity’s share price in recent time, some market analysts believe that the management of Guinness Nigeria Plc must take urgent and drastic steps to reduce cost. This is more so because some analysts have in the past expressed the views that the equity is over priced. Analysts in FSDH had said that the market value of the stock which was selling for N220 then, should not have been more than N165.98 per share. While urging investors to sell the equity at the market price then, the investment analysts said, they considered factors such as “Capacity expansion and innovation efforts of the company; growing demand for both non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks in Nigeria, investment in the development of high quality products, economies of scale enjoyed by the company and growing unemployment, as well as falling disposable income of consumers”. BC

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Business Courage

Monday, September 24, 2012

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TheNews Maker

A perfect captain in charge Two years after assuming the leadership of Zenith Bank Plc, Godwin Emefiele has not only sustained the culture of excellence of the top rated financial supermarket, he has consistently improved on its bottom-line across all indices, winning local and international awards that marks it apart from its peers By Salami Semiu

ugust 1, 2012 makes it exactly two years that Godwin Emefiele became Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Zenith Bank Plc, succeeding the founder and pioneer chief executive, Jim Ovia, who bowed out gracefully after over two decades of piloting the affairs of the bank. Emefiele, himself a pioneer staff of Zenith Bank, has been instrumental in developing the bank into a world-class institution. An alumnus of Stanford University, Harvard and Wharton Graduate Schools of Business, Emefiele lectured Finance, Bank Management, and Insurance at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka and University of Port Harcourt before joining Zenith Bank at inception and rose to the position of Deputy Managing Director in 2001. Given his pivotal role, the bank has benefited from his in-depth knowledge of finance and banking. Like his predecessor, Emefiele has continued to anchor Zenith Bank along the strong focus on corporate governance and global best practices through the collaborative approach that has built Zenith Bank into Nigeria’s second largest bank by market capitalization. Indeed, the seamless transition that produced Emefiele as Ovia’s natural successor in 2010 and his strong and profoundly focused leadership skills has ensured that the Zenith brand remains a strong force not only in the Nigerian banking sector, but

also across sub regions where it operates. Incorporated in 1990 as a limited liability company, Zenith Bank transformed into a Public Liability Company in 2004, after a hugely successful Initial Public Offering (IPO), the best and highest in the history of the Nigerian capital market. Today, the bank is one of the largest and most highly capitalized companies on the Nigeria Stock Exchange (NSE), with over 700,000 shareholders and total assets of N2.47 trillion at the end of the second quarter of 2012. Over the years, Zenith Bank has redefined customer service standards and created diverse service delivery channels through a strategic deployment of its people, Information Communication Technology (ICT) and world-class service. The group’s main delivery channel is its over 357 local and foreign subsidiaries and business offices. The impressive growth pattern and performance over the years have earned the bank excellent ratings and recognition from local and international agencies. From a 2012 survey conducted by The Banker, a publication of the Financial Times of London, Zenith was adjudged the largest bank in Nigeria and the seventh largest in Africa on the basis of Tier1 capital. Also, in July 2012, Forbes ranked Zenith the largest listed bank in Nigeria and the third largest listed company in West Africa. Forbes employed market capitalization, turnover, net profit and assets criteria to

Emefiele

arrive at its ranking. In 2011, Standard & Poor’s reaffirmed Zenith Bank’s rating at B+/stable/B – the highest rating awarded to any Nigerian bank and in line with the country’s risk rating. In 2012, World Finance voted the bank as Best Nigerian Bank in Corporate Governance. In the end, Zenith’s value and competitive edge come down to a winning combination of people, talent, propriety, knowledge, equity, leadership, integrity and excellent relationship management. In line with the long-term strategy of building Zenith Bank into an international financial franchise, the bank took concrete steps towards establishing presence in major West African States and is currently expanding into other African Regions as well as the European and Asian

markets, while consolidating its position as a leading financial services provider in Nigeria. As at today, Zenith Bank has a full fledge subsidiaries in Ghana, U.K, Sierra Leone, Gambia and a representative offices in South Africa and China. From inception, Zenith Bank had clearly set out to distinguish itself in the banking industry through superior service quality, unique customer experience and sound financial indices. Today, the bank is associated with a first-in-class customer experience and satisfaction; innovation; good financial performance; stable and dedicated management team; leadership in the use of Information and Communication Technology; strategic distribution channels and good asset quality. Zenith Bank laid the founda-

tion of its structures and processes on cutting-edge Information and Communications Technology (ICT) infrastructure. This ensures that every transaction is carried out via a medium that makes for speed, flexibility, accuracy and convenience for the customer. As a leading institution in ICT-enabled banking in Nigeria, Zenith Bank has leveraged on its deep understanding of the local business environment and global financial market to develop unique e-solutions to meet varied and specific customer needs. In January 2012, Zenith Bank was recognized as one of the 30 outstanding global brands that are making sustainable impact on their operating environments in the area of Corporate Social Responsibility. The recognition was a prelude to the United Nations Development Programme’s (UNDP) Conference on Sustainable Development (‘Road to Rio’), held in Brazil in May 2012. Zenith Bank was honoured along with 30 other global brands which included Airbus, France; ConocoPhillips, USA; Credit Suisse, Switzerland; KLM, Netherlands; Kia Motors, South Korea; Olam International, Singapore; Unilever, Netherlands; Verizon, USA; Kia Motors, South Korea; among others. Similarly, Capital Finance International (CFI) awarded Zenith Bank as the Best Commercial Bank Africa. While presenting the award, CFI award judges said that under Jim Ovia leadership, Zenith created strong foundations with a broad shareholder base, high levels of capitalization and very strong corporate governance. It also noted that Godwin Emefiele and his team have continued to build on these foundations. “It is the bank’s commitment to all of its stakeholders that shines through, enabling the bank to provide the highest level of services. There has been substantial investment in staff development creating a team that we feel will continue to work to the very highest standards and bring ever increasing standards of banking to clients and results to investors, while through the banks CSR policy Zenith Bank ensures it also playing its part in society as whole.” CFI stated. Since it went public in 2004, Zenith Bank has consistently posted impressive performance in all of its parameters. Total assets grew from $1.25 billion in 2004 to $15.48 billion in the second quarter of 2012, representing a growth of 1,138.4 per cent. Within the same period, total deposits went up by 1,174 per cent from $845 million to $10.77 billion as at June 2012. In April 2007, Zenith Bank became the first Nigerian bank in 25 years to be licensed by the UK Financial Services Authority (FSA), giving rise to Zenith Bank (UK) Limited. BC

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business Courage A19 35

Monday, September 24, 2012

Behind d Wheels This page is open to sponsorship

This MAN backs you up

Five must-have car accessories

A combination of economy and ecology to achieve sustainable trucking for a long haul solution

he best car accessories combine efficiency with style, and can make the daily commute and longer drive much more enjoyable. Options range from integrating a number of different accessories through a dock, to more elaborate remote start technology, and including pressure washers, security and air conditioning accessories. When choosing these kinds of accessories, it is important to focus on ones that actually make a car more practical, and that have long lasting uses beyond novelty value. Car dice and any purely stylistic alterations have consequently been excluded, albeit with the admission that they can be a great way to add personality to a vehicle. In terms of essential value though, these accessories should be considered:

s the 21st century unfolds, international supply chains will come under increasing pressure to limit the amount of fossil fuel they consume in order to limit their carbon footprint and consequent environmental impact. Fuel-efficiency will also play a vital role in determining fleet sustainability in the face of rapidly rising fuel prices. With almost three kilogrammes of carbondioxide emitted for every litre of diesel consumed, deploying commercial vehicles that optimise fuel consumption allows fleet operators to simultaneously limit their environmental impact and reduce their fuel costs. A 3L/100km saving Driven by its ‘Consistently Efficient’ global programme to reduce Total Cost of Ownership (of which diesel constitutes the greatest running cost component), MAN conducted its first EfficientLine Tour in Europe in 2011 where the MAN TGX EfficientLine recorded a remarkable fuel saving of almost three litres per 100km. In 2012, MAN Truck and Bus South Africa will launch its new flagship truck-tractor, the MAN TGS EfficientLine, based on the same design principles as its European counterpart. By optimising specific areas of the vehicle to reduce aerodynamic drag, rolling resistance, auxiliary power consumption and overall tare mass, the new MAN TGS EfficientLine delivers class-leading fuel consumption performance, effectively reducing Total Cost of Ownership while limiting harmful exhaust

Autocare

emissions. The new on-highway long haul range is fully compatible with locally-produced diesel and includes two 6x4 models (480hp & 440hp) and a 4x2 derivative (440hp). EfficientLine Road Show During May and June 2012, the MAN TGS EfficientLine Tour visited Centurion, Bloemfontein, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, Pinetown and Nelspruit to give truck operators first-hand experience of how the MAN TGS EfficientLine boosts profitability while conserving our planet. MAN TGS WW - consistently efficient Vehicles of the TGS WW range represent the consistent, ongoing development of the TGS Worldwide range famous for their toughness and reliability. They are designed especially for the toughest of operations as a semi-trailer tractor, chassis and tipper in the Africa, Russia and the Middle and Far East markets. Premium trucks of the proven Trucknology® Generation provide the basis for economic and safe transportation with a gross weight from 18 up to 41 tons. • Consistently efficient drive Efficient and economical Common Rail engines from the D20 and D26 ranges in the exhaust-gas classifications Euro 2 and Euro 3 deliver ample power in the power ranges from 360 up to 480 HP. All engines from

this range are ideally fitted for operating in extreme climatic zones: particularly in high air temperatures the TGS WW is impressive with its large radiator concealed behind the newly designed cab front. • Durable, heavy-duty and rugged The tough heavy-duty suspension and frame components on the TGS WW, proven for its predecessor the TGA Worldwide, fulfil the hardest requirements. Whatever the transport task in short and long-haul transport or cross-country, the TGS WW has just the right version with two, three or four axles. • Ergonomic and sturdy cabs for daily use MAN offers three different sized cabs for the TGS WW range. The short M cab for tasks on building sites or in short-haul and distribution transport, the 400-millimetre longer L cab for spending the occasional night or resting in the truck, and the spacious LX cab fitted with two beds for longer tours. The ergonomically sophisticated arrangement of controls in the cabs makes driving safe and stress-free. Last but not least, the cabs’ new design and improved aerodynamics reduce fuel consumption and sink CO2 emissions. • Safety for drivers and business operators The modern electronics structure of the TGS WW makes it possible to introduce innovative driver assistance and safety systems. Shorter downtimes and less damage give operators the opportunity to complete their transport contracts efficiently and reliably. The TGS WW will be launched this year as a world premiere. Not all vehicle types are available yet. BC

All in One Dock It is much easier to combine a range of different entertainment and communication features into a single dock, rather than trying to integrate different ports and sensors. An entertainment dock that is either directly attached to a car stereo, or connected to wheel controls, can be used to coordinate Bluetooth devices like GPS, and enhance satellite radio. An all in one dock can similarly be used to act as a mount for a smart phone, which can run many of these features through its own operating system. More advanced docks can also be used to wirelessly connect to satellite television and rear seat DVD players, while also helping with general driving performance. Remote Start Buttons that allow you to start up a car while still at a distance can be valuable if you need to heat up the engine before approaching the car. A remote start button can also activate a dock system, and can ensure that the car is ready to go when you get into it. While the device ultimately means that you only save a few minutes of time, this can be a luxury that means you spend less time fiddling around with controls before each journey. A remote start function can also be installed through an iPhone. Improved Security Adding more advanced security features through accessories is always going to add value to your car, while providing you with peace of mind. Again, Bluetooth enabled technology can allow you to run a number of different security features through a single dock. Key security options to consider include mobile identification, as well as tracking sensors and deadlocks. Other security systems can monitor for changes in tyre pressure and car weight. Pressure Washer A hand held pressure washer represents an excellent accessory if you want to skip a visit to the car wash for a full clean, and want a quicker wash than a bucket and pad. A high quality pressure washer can be used to quickly scrub down and spray your car, and uses a range of detergents and buffers to make sure that you get a high quality wash. Air Conditioner Features Air conditioning is regularly ranked as the most important accessory that every car should have. Versatile and able to adjust to changes in temperature and pressure, a good air conditioning system can either be included as standard with a car, or can be added. Cutting edge air conditioners can deal with changes in heat and pressure in more precise ways than older models, and can also help to evaporate moisture and control humidity. BC

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Business Courage

Bagco grows earnings Stories By Tayo Adeleke

igerian Bag Manufacturing Company Plc has announced a profit of N773.7 million, being unaudited report for three months of the financial year ending March 2013. The figure represents 32 per cent increase over N585.94 million posted in the same period in 2011. The growth came despite decline in turnover to the tune of 8.5 per cent. Analysts have attributed the improvement to the company’s cost of sales and admin expenses which dropped by 18 per cent and five per cent respectively during the review period. A statement attributable to the management of Bagco claimed that the improvement in performance was largely driven by enhanced operational efficiency and rigorous cost and financial discipline. Turnover for the period slumped to N5.46 billion from N5.97 billion in 2011 while cost of sales dropped to N3.604 billion from N4.37 billion. The company, a subsidiary of Flour Mills Nigeria Plc, reported a net profit of N587.8 million in the first three months of its operation in the ongoing financial year as against N393.9 million in 2011, representing 49.22 percent increase. Meanwhile, the Iganmu-based company showcased a balance sheet with mixed performance during the period. This is because fixed assets dropped by N0.14 billion, from N10.79 billion to N10.65 billion in 2011 as short term borrowings increased from N3.87 billion in 2011 to N4.96 billion. But

Sikiru Oluwo, MD, Bagco Plc

total assets grew by N1.84 billion even as inventories closed at N10.65 billion compared to N9.450 billion in 2011. It will be recalled that the board of directors of Nigerian Bag Manufacturing Company (BAGCO) Plc paid dividend of 14 kobo per share to shareholders as a reward for their investment in shares of the company during the financial year ended March 31, 2012. The company has a capacity of 30 million sacks per month. The company’s products are in high demand as they are used to package powder and granular Industrial products like cement, fertilizer, flour, sugar, salt, and detergent among others. BC

Frank Nneji, MD, ABC Transport

as against N286.8 million in 2011. Based on the performance, management of ABC Transport has released its forecast figure for fourth quarters (Q4) ending December 2012. The projection shows a turnover of N1.73 billion out which N813.1 million is expected to be spent as operation expenses. General Admin expenses are expected to hit N411.7 million while interest on borrowed funds is expected to close at N68.88 million. The management of the transport company is also targeting a pre-tax profit of N168.26 million and profit after tax of N100.96 million. Cash from operating activities will be N606.35 million while cash flow from financing activities is expected to stand at N80.46 million. BC

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

CBN’s credit ban: In whose interest?

ABC Transport returns to profitability

t seems ABC Transport would end the ongoing financial year profitably, if its recently released financial figures are anything to rely on. The company’s unaudited six months report for the financial year ending December 30, 2012, shows a net profit of N38.04 million compared with a loss after tax of N68.2 million recorded during the last audited financial year ended December 2011. As a result of the loss posted in the last audited report, the company could not pay dividend to shareholders. It was the first time the Board of Directors of the transport company was unable to pay dividend since its shares were listed on the floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE). Going by the result made public by the NSE, last Friday, ABC Transport Company Plc posted a turnover of N1.603 billion in six months, which represents 14.43 per cent growth when compared with N1.40 billion achieved in 2011. The appreciation recorded in turnover was however overwhelmed by the cost of operation, administration and interest charges incurred during the period. Operating expenses increased by 7.59 per cent to N1.134 billion from N1.054 billion in 2011. Similarly, admin/distribution expenses rose by N117 million to N298.6 million

Monday, September 24, 2012

he Central Bank of Nigeria under Lamido Sanusi’s watch, again demonstrated its capacity to shock and awe with last Friday’s release of a blacklist of 113 companies and 419 individuals that have been barred from accessing further credit facilities from banks on account of huge outstanding debts. The decision was apparently reached by both the CBN and the Asset Management Company of Nigeria, AMCOM, which had purchased the debts from the erstwhile creditor banks as part of the steps taken to resolve the banking sector crisis. The blacklist reads like who’s who in corporate Nigeria and the debt figures, mind boggling. For example, Zenon Petroleum and Gas, owned by Mr. Femi Otedola, a member of the Economic Management Team and close friend of President Goodluck Jonathan, owes about N192bn; MRS Petroleum controlled by the Dantata and Dangote owes N119bn and a stock broking firm, Falcon Securities Limited previously fingered as a major actor in the stock market manipulation scam which has N162bn against it name. Most of the debts had built up during the heady days, when banks, awash with post-consolidation cash, lost their senses and doled out huge sums to even customers that did not need credit. Instead of channeling funds into productive activity, the banks, fixated on huge and instant profits pumped money to fuel importers and stock market speculators and eventually got their fingers burnt. Of course, we all recall that black Friday in August 2008 when Sanusi fired eight bank chiefs to signal the commencement of the cleanup of the banking sector, injected some N620bn into distressed banks and the eventual creation of AMCON two years later to take off the non-performing loans off the books of both health and intervened banks. The idea was to end a general systemic crisis by giving the banks breathing space while the government, through AMCON, can take time to recover the debts. Now it seems that AMCON has run out of patience and is tightening the screws on the debtors. Indeed the CBN has said it would direct any bank that loans any more money to these debtor companies and individual directors to make a 100 per cent provision for such loans in its books apart from any other sanction it deems fit. Such conditions will remain in force until the debtors repay the outstanding loans. The move has come as a shocker for these businesspeople, some of whom, we are told, had tried to use their connections in the corridors of power to get Presidency to approve a forbearance on the grounds that the huge debt racked up by some of them, especially oil marketers, was largely due to sudden adjustment of the exchange rate in late 2008 that resulted in huge losses on ongoing

petroleum products import transactions. While it is apparent that the government is not buying that line, the implications of the directive for the said companies could be dire. Indeed, cutting off credit lines could mean that some of these firms will simply go under. When companies are unable to pay their debts, the options are few and could include its being sold, wound up or liquidated. The strategic nature of some of the companies involved could mean that their going down would lead to significant job losses and all the rest, so while I believe that the CBN is serious and that a debtor must pay up, a situation where 113 big companies will die at once must be avoided. The sensible thing is to keep the companies running while ensuring that the debts are paid down under more liberal terms if need be. A situation AMCON resorts to closing down debtor companies runs contrary to the principles under which it was set up ab initio and it has grave implications for the stock market. Caution is the word here. Nonetheless, one will have to turn again to the banks in the emerging drama. The question that will recur naturally is: Have they learnt any lessons? Apparently, banks still concentrate on trade finance with little or no attention given to the productive sector including manufacturing and agriculture. Granted that the CBN has tried to intervene in critical sectors through special funds disbursed through the banks, the banks themselves have shown scant interest in building the small and medium enterprises sector on which the future of this country depends. They have retained a mercenary attitude, building deposits on which they pay virtually no interest and trade government securities, yet effective lending rate are anything between 25 per cent and 30 per cent. One wonders how just one individual could accumulate nearly N200bn in debts. Distributed at the rate of N10m each, that amount of money would have easily served 20,000 small businesses. It again brings to the fore the ignoble role of government in crowding out SMEs and other real sector entities out of the credit market with its rising level of borrowing from the domestic market. Some have wondered what the rationale could be for government to lend money to banks at 12 per cent and go back to borrow at 15 per cent all in the name of controlling system liquidity, a situation where most of the money in the system is sent back and forth between government and the banks creates a disincentive for banks to lend to the private sector. Leaders of the Organised Private Sector have been harping on this absurd state for affairs warning that the economy cannot grow and create jobs with crazy interest rates they are forced to pay. Rather than just blowing hot and shutting down credit lines to companies, the CBN and banks need to address reasons why cost of credit is so high as to create an immediate risk of default. BC BC

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business Courage

Monday, September 24, 2012

A21 37

Nigerian Breweries Plc soars in bullish trading

he bullish run on the Nigerian equities market continued last Friday, with the NSE All- share index (ASI) recording its 18th daily gain in the last twenty sessions. The ASI reached its highest value since 6th June 2011 as it appreciated by 2.12 per cent to close at 25,873.71 up from 25,337.18 points recorded the previous week. According to some market analysts, two out of every three stocks advanced in the general market as the non-financials anchored the weekend’s rally. Nigerian Breweries, Cadbury and Ashaka Cement advanced strongly to lift the broad market index. The NSE Food and beverage index rallied 2.87 per cent on gains by Honey flour, Dangote Flour, UTC and Cadbury.

A total of 546.83 million shares worth N1.82 billion were traded in 4,681 deals on the Nigerian Stock Exchange on Thursday. Although, the volume of trading dropped compared with Wednesday’s 904.16 million shares valued at N5.5 billion traded in 5,340 deals, the All-Share Index grew by 232.04 points or 0.91 per cent to close at 25,874.43 from 25,642.39. Similarly, market capitalisation, which opened at N8.162 trillion, appreciated by N76 billion ($470million) or 0.93 per cent to close at N8.238 trillion ($51.49 billion). Nigerian Breweries led the gainers’ chart with N8.50 to close at N145 per share, while New Gold followed with N3 to close at

N2, 703 per unit as Okomu Oil added N1.50 to close at N36.50 per share. Cadbury appreciated by N1.02 to close at N21.56 per share, while UACN grew by 75k to close at N42.75 per unit. On the other hand, International Breweries led the losers’ table with a loss of N1.66 to close at N15.03 per share. Arbico trailed with a loss of 51k to close at N9.88 per share, while Zenith Bank lost 29k to close at N16 per share. Diamond Bank depreciated by 22k to close at N3.31 per share, while Skye Bank dropped 14k to close at N3.14. The NSE banking index moved southwards as a result of the losses recorded by the banking stocks. BC

NSE sheds N1.45 bn in one week By Tayo Adeleke

he Nigerian equities market drifted downward as investors cashed in on gains recorded in previous trading sessions. At the close of trading last Friday, the twin equities performance measuring indicators declined marginally by a single basis point. Food/ beverage stocks were hit by profit taking activities as the NSE Food/ Beverage Index retreated by 1.56 per cent. Also, the NSE Oil/ Gas Index fell by 0.08 per cent. However, the financial stocks trackers, the Banking Index and NSE Insurance Index was up by 0.72 per cent and 3.12 per cent respectively. A turnover of 2.695 billion shares worth N15.701 billion in 24,717 deals were recorded last week in contrast to a total of 2.224 billion shares valued at N14.252 billion exchanged hands previous week in 24,108 deals. The Financial Services sector was the most active during the week contributing 84.15 per cent to the total turnover volume with 2.268 billion shares valued at N11.689 billion exchanged by investors in 14,366 deals.

Volume in the sector was largely driven by Banking and Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services subsectors led by shares of First City Monument Bank Plc, Unic Insurance Plc, and Zenith Bank Plc. Trading in the shares of the three companies accounted for 928.311 million shares, representing 40.94 per cent and 34.45 per cent of the volume recorded by the sector and total turnover for the week, respectively. Leading flour miller and pasta maker, Flour Mills of Nigeria, rallied by N3.22 to close at N67.92 a share just as industry rival, Dangote Flour, rose by N0.36 to close at N7.71 a share. Shares of

building materials manufacturer, Lafarge Cement WAPCO, firmed by N2.39 to close at N54.99; Cadbury Nigeria, extended its gains by N1.07 to close at N22.63 a share; while commercial banking institutions, Zenith Bank and Union Bank Nigeria, added N0.50 and N0.43 to close at N16.50 and N9.13 respectively. However, Nestle Nigeria, a blue chip food company, plunged by N24.00 to close at N580.00 a share. Shares of brewers of alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks, Nigerian Breweries and International Breweries, shrank by N5.00 and N1.12 to close at N140.00 and N13.91 respectively. Also, deposit money banks, Guaranty Trust Bank and Access Bank, slid N0.20 and N0.09 to close at N19.20 and N9.46 respectively while Transnational Corporation of Nigeria, a conglomerate company, shed by 4.72 per cent to N1.01 a share. BC

Experts commend FG on medium-term expenditure plan

ome financial experts have commended the Federal Government for submitting the 20132015 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) to the Senate in record time. The experts, who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Friday, however, called on the Senate to do proper scrutiny of the expenditure plan. The expenditure plan was submitted to the Senate on Sept. 19. Eddie Osarenkhoe, a former President of Finance Houses Association of Nigeria (FHAN), said that the MTEF was a step in the right direction. ``The MTEF will make the people to know how far government will go in restructuring our economy,`` Osarenkhoe said.

He said that the Senate should ensure that financial leakages were blocked so that there could be improvement in the economy. Osarenkhoe said that the projected 75 dollar per barrel crude oil price was okay, but that the best way to grow the economy was to revamp the local refineries. Kunle Owolabi, Risk Manager, Cash craft Assets Management Ltd., said that the MTEF was as a good idea that would impact positively on the economy. He said that there was the need to reduce government’s recurrent expenditure and vote more fund to develop the infrastructure. ``The MTEF should be reviewed annually so that the Senate can make necessary corrections, `` he said. Dr Olumide Owoade, a

senior lecturer, Department of Economics, Lagos State University, advised government to take reduction of recurrent expenses seriously. ``Reduction of government’s overhead cost will translate to infrastructural development, `` Owoade said. He said that the Senate should work to ensure that there was increase in capital allocations during the life of the MTEF. Deji Okeowo, General Manager, Regency Assets Management Ltd., said that there was no way to bring down inflation without reducing the recurrent expenditure. ``Government needs to increase its capital vote by 10 per cent margin yearly. ``The increase must also take into cognisance of the people’s expectations at any time, `` he said. BC

Market Indicators for Week Ended 21-09-12 All-Share Index 25,873.71 points Market Capitalisation N8,238,364,251,295.22 Stock Updates GAINERS COMPANY

OPENING PRICE

CLOSING PRICE

CHANGE

STERLNBANK

1.40

1.54

FIDSON

1.41

1.55

0.14 0.14

DIAMONDBNK

3.31

3.59

0.28

REDSTAREX

2.77

3.00

0.23

CCNN

4.60

4.83

3.22

LOSERS COMPANY

OPENING PRICE

INTBREW

15.03

13.91

BETAGLAS

10.03

9.53

-0.50

1.06

1.01

-0.05

TRANSCORP PREMBREW NESTLE

CLOSING PRICE

CHANGE -1.12

0.93

0.89

-0.04

604.00

580.00

-24.00

Inter-Bank Rates TENOR

RATE%(PREV) 13-Sept-2012

OBB

13.4500 – 16.5000

RATE%(CURR) 20-Sept-2012 11.5000 – 15.2500

CALL

14.0000 – 16.5000

12.7500 – 16.0000

Primary Market Auction TENOR

AMOUNT (N’mn)

91-Days

37,490

RATE (%)

182-Days

63,731

12.60

19-Sep-12

91-Days

32971

13.64

05-Sep-12

12.00

DATE 19-Sep-12

Open Market Operation TENOR

AMOUNT (N’mn)

69-Days

30,000

14.50

RATE (%)

07-Sep-12

DATE

83-Days

52046

14.60

07-Sep-12

70-Days

50,000

14.50

06-Sep-12

Wholesale Dutch Auction System AMOUNT OFFERED

AMOUNT SOLD

DATE

$180m

MARKET DEMAND $179m

$179m

19-Sep-12

$180m

$130m

17-Sep-12

A22 38

Business Courage

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Monday, September 24, 2012

Linkage Assurance: Slowly moving out of troubled waters By Tayo Adeleke

he recent management strategy adopted by Linkage Assurance Plc in terms of creating a robust public awareness and financial improvement is paying off tremendously on the company. At least, for now, it can be safely concluded that Linkage Assurance has found its way out of the troubled water after three consecutive years of losses. The underwriting company posted a profit after tax of N171 million for its 2011 financial year, compared with a loss after tax of N150.9 million reported in the previous year. Linkage Assurance just concluded a merger with Central Insurance Company Limited as the management believed it needed a strong comeback after 10 years in business. However, the data available has clearly shown that the company has failed to meet its self imposed target of being among the top five insurance companies by 2012. Its Managing Director, Gus Wiggle, however, blamed this failure to public perception about insurance company. “We had an ambition to be one of the top five insurance companies in 2012. Unfortunately, this same issue of perception again played on us and we have not been able to achieve that goal. But we are not tired; we are still working towards it,” he said. Linkage Assurance Plc was incorporated on March 26, 1991 and was licensed on October 7, 1993 to carry on non-life insurance business. The company was among the insurance companies that were approved to continue as an insurer by NAICOM, having satisfied all relevant requirements of the 2007 recapitalization and consolidation reforms in the insurance sub-sector. It has N4 billion authorized share capital and shareholders fund in excess of N3.2 billion as at December 31, 2011. Performance It seems the rebranding exercise recently embarked upon by the management of Linkage Assurance is beginning to yield positive results. The company posted profit in the last financial year ended December 2011 after three successive years of posting losses. Linkage Assurance has sustained its performance on Gross Premium Income (GPI) with a 7.13 per cent growth from N2.14 billion in 2010 to N2.29

cost ratios. An important cost ratio; underwriting expenses ratio revealed an efficient cost management strategy, dropping from 59.5 per cent in 2011 to 61.05 per cent in 2010, with the same ratio for management expenses declining from 21.69 per cent in 2010 to 21.25 per cent in 2011. The expense ratio should examine the extent of an insurance company’s underwriting expenses and net claims paid in relation to the size of the net premium earned. Thus, a declining index indicates increasing efficiency in risk management as well as cost management and control and vice-versa.

Wiggle

billion in 2011, suggesting that the core business of the company is still profitable. Underwriting profit, which is the profit derived from providing insurance coverage, exclusive of income derived from investment activities dipped to N437.7 million against N573.74 million the previous year. Earned premium closed at N2.24 billion against N2.31 billion in 2010. The additional income earned from investment, managed funds and other sources was enough to boost earnings during the review period. The company achieved net profit of N171.01 million in 2011 against N150.9 million losses in 2010. Profit before taxation for the period stood at N265.2 million. Profitability Linkage charged its after tax profit margin to a positive figure at the end of 2011 financial year. It rose from -7.07 per cent in 2010 to 7.47 per cent despite a drop in pretax margin, which stood at 11.59 per cent against 13.11 per cent in 2010. The company recorded a Return on Total Assets (ROTA) of 3.32 per cent and a Return on Equity (ROE) of 5.37 per cent in the 2011 financial year. These are significant improvement over -3.14 per cent and -5.01 per cent recorded in the preceding financial year respectively. As seen above, a trend analysis of the growth in the company’s ROTA and ROE is similar to that of profit after

tax. What this implies is that, the company is not making optimum use of its assets as reflected by the ratios. This is a key area that the management needs to improve on in years ahead. Efficiency Linkage Assurance efficient performance cannot be alienated from its improved Linkage Ass. Plc Data

2011 =N=(‘Nm)

Liquidity During the year ended 31 December 2011, Linkage Assurance’s cash flow from operating cash flow improves over the previous year. Current ratio grew to 1.70:1 from 1.66:1 in 2010. In the review year, the company also had the wherewithal to meet its current liabilities but failed to meet the universally acceptable standard current ratio of 2 to 1. As a result, current ratio grew to 1.70:1 from 1.66:1 in 2010. However, as at December 31, 2011, the company’s quick ratios met the acceptable standard ratio of 1.5:1, having moved from 1.52:1 to 1.55:1 in 2011. Total assets moved to N5.15 billion

2010 =N=(‘Nm)

2009 =N=(‘Nm)

2008 =N=(‘Nm)

2007 =N=(‘Nm) 273,988

Profit After Taxation

171,011

-150,930

-259,289

-156,380

Net Premium

102,363

-215,009

-331,754

-231,142

219181

Underwriting Profits

437,691

573,735

829,437

905,684

496,679

Shareholders fund

3,184,544

3,013,533

3,075,968

3,247,575

4,518,492

Total Assets

5,144,951

4,801,797

4,992,792

5,265,651

7,290,092

852,891

608,643

712,438

1,056,917

1,898,094

Trade Debtors Trade Creditors

431,307

422,090

222,799

497,869

240,042

Total Liabilities

1,960,407

1,788,264

1,916,824

2,018,076

2,771,600

Short-term Investment

1,310,077

1,253,448

1,367,637

1,047,638

2,252,794

3.4

-3

-5.1

-3.1

5.4

Earnings per Share(kobo)

from N4.8 billion while total liabilities as well increased to N3.18 billion in 2011. Insurance funds rose to N1.96 billion from N1.79 billion 2010 even as managed funds closed at N516.94 million. Investment The company’s total investment portfolio was N2.36 billion, comprising treasury bills and investment in trading securities. The proportion of short term investments to insurance funds amounted to about 139.96 per cent, down from 183.9 per cent achieved in 2010. This implies that the investing strategy of the company did not yield as much as expected in 2011. Based on this, the figure provides adequate comfort to the insured that the insurance fund is adequately aided by viable investments. Capital Adequacy The shareholders’ fund of the company increased marginally as it hits N3.185 billion in 2011 as against N3.013 billion recorded in 2010. This translates to an increase of 5.67 per cent most of which can be attributed to the company’s merger with Central Insurance Company Limited. The extent by which total assets is financed by equity measured by equity to total asset fell from 62.76 per cent in 2010 to 61.81 per cent in 2011. Similar trend was revealed by another metric, the proportion of permanent asset financed by Equity (Equity to Permanent Assets). It rose to 467.6 per cent from 426 per cent in 2010. By and large, it is believed that the recently rebranding exercise in Linkage Assurance Plc will go a long way in improving its capital position in years ahead. Future The management of Linkage Assurance is of the opinion that with the new drive both from the regulator, National Insurance Commission, especially on the six compulsory insurance and the educational body and Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria to create awareness, insurance companies will begin to experience improved investment from the general public in no time. However, financial analysts stress the need for the company to step up on how to design products that will be more attractive to the public in order to gain more share of the insurance sector. BC

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business Courage A23 39

Monday, September 24, 2012

STOCKWATCH Stock Exchange weekly equities summary as at Friday, Sept 21, 2012 SECURITY

PRICE (=N=)

AGRICULTURE/AGRO-ALLIED Crop Production FTN COCOA PROCESSORS PLC NT OKOMU OIL PALM PLC. 38.80 PRESCO PLC 15.45 Fishing/Hunting/Trapping ELLAH LAKES PLC. NT Livestock/Animal Specialties LIVESTOCK FEEDS PLC. 1.41 CONGLOMERATES Diversified Industries A.G. LEVENTIS NIGERIA PLC. 1.30 CHELLARAMS PLC. NT JOHN HOLT PLC. 5.32 S C O A NIG. PLC. NT U A C N PLC. 43.24 CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Building Construction ARBICO PLC. 9.88 CAPPA & D’ALBERTO PLC. NT Building Structure/Completion/Other COSTAIN (W A) PLC. NT G CAPPA PLC NT Non--Building/Heavy Construction JULIUS BERGER NIG. PLC. 28.80 ROADS NIG PLC. 10.22 Real Estate Development PINNACLE POINT GROUP PLC NT UACN PROPERTY DEV 12.12 Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) SKYE SHELTER FUND PLC 100.00 UNION HOMES REAL ESTATE INV NT CONSUMER GOODS Automobiles/Auto Parts DN TYRE & RUBBER PLC 0.50 Beverages--Brewers/Distillers CHAMPION BREW. PLC. NT GOLDEN GUINEA BREW. PLC. NT GUINNESS NIG PLC 260.00 INTERNATIONAL BREWERIES PLC. 13.91 JOS INT. BREWERIES PLC. NT NIGERIAN BREW. PLC. 140.00 PREMIER BREWERIES PLC 0.89 Beverages--Non-Alcoholic 7-UP BOTTLING COMP. PLC. 39.00 Food Products BIG TREAT PLC NT DANGOTE FLOUR MILLS PLC 7.71 DANGOTE SUGAR REFINERY PLC 4.90 FLOUR MILLS NIG. PLC. 67.92 HONEYWELL FLOUR MILL PLC 2.12 MULTI-TREX INTEGRATED FOODS PLC NT N NIG. FLOUR MILLS PLC. 21.48 NATIONAL SALT CO. NIG. PLC 6.10 P S MANDRIDES & CO PLC. NT U T C NIG. PLC. 0.67 UNION DICON SALT PLC. 4.22 Food Products--Diversified CADBURY NIGERIA PLC. 22.63 NESTLE NIGERIA PLC. 580.00 Household Durables BETA GLASS CO PLC. NT NIGERIAN ENAMELWARE PLC. 34.39 VITAFOAM NIG PLC. 3.09 VONO PRODUCTS PLC. NT Personal/Household Products P Z CUSSONS NIGERIA PLC. 24.89 UNILEVER NIGERIA PLC. 38.51 Textiles/Apparel UNITED NIG. TEXTILES PLC. NT FINANCIAL SERVICES Banking ACCESS BANK PLC. 9.46 DIAMOND BANK PLC 3.59 ECOBANK TRANSNATIONAL INC. 11.45 FIDELITY BANK PLC 1.77 FIRST BANK OF NIG. PLC 14.50 FIRST CITY MONUMENT BANK PLC. 3.18 GUARANTY TRUST BANK PLC. 19.20 SKYE BANK PLC 3.17 STANBIC IBTC BANK PLC 7.14 STERLING BANK PLC. 1.54 U B A PLC 4.60 UNION BANK NIG.PLC. 9.13 UNITY BANK PLC 0.50 WEMA BANK PLC. 0.50 ZENITH BANK PLC 16.50 Insurance Carriers, Brokers & Services AFRICAN ALLIANCE INS. COY. PLC NT AIICO INSURANCE PLC. 0.60 CONFIDENCE INSURANCE PLC NT CONSOLIDATED HALLMARK INS. PLC 0.50 CONTINENTAL REINSURANCE PLC 0.70 CORNERSTONE INS. COY. PLC. NT CUSTODIAN AND ALLIED INS. PLC 1.31 EQUITY ASSURANCE PLC. 0.50 GOLDLINK INSURANCE PLC 0.50 GREAT NIGERIAN INSURANCE PLC NT GUINEA INSURANCE PLC. NT INTERCONTINENTAL WAPIC INS. PLC 0.61 INTERNATIONAL ENERGY INS. PLC NT INVESTMENT AND ALLIED ARN. NT LASACO ASSURANCE PLC. 0.50 LAW UNION AND ROCK INS. PLC. NT LINKAGE ASSURANCE PLC NT MANSARD INSURANCE PLC 1.78 MUTUAL BENEFITS ASSURANCE PLC. 0.50 N.E.M INSURANCE CO (NIG) PLC. 0.52 NIGER INSURANCE CO. PLC. 0.52 OASIS INSURANCE PLC NT PRESTIGE ASSURANCE CO. PLC. 0.50 REGENCY ALLIANCE INS. COY PLC NT SOVEREIGN TRUST INSURANCE PLC NT STACO INSURANCE PLC 0.50 STANDARD ALLIANCE INS. PLC. NT UNIC INSURANCE PLC. NT UNITY KAPITAL ASSURANCE PLC NT UNIVERSAL INS. COMPANY PLC 0.50 Micro Finance Banks FORTIS MICROFINANCE BANK PLC NT NPF MICROFINANCE BANK PLC 1.15 Mortgage Carriers, Brokers &Services ABBEY BUILDING SOCIETY PLC NT ASO SAVINGS AND LOANS PLC 0.50 RESORT SAVINGS & LOANS PLC 0.50 UNION HOMES SAVINGS&LOANS PLC NT Other Financial Institutions CRUSADER ( NIG) PLC. 0.50 DEAP CAPITAL MGT & TRUST PLC NT NIG SEW. MACH. MAN. CO. PLC. NT NIGERIA ENERYGY SECTOR FUND NT ROYAL EXCHANGE PLC. 0.63 HEALTHCARE Healthcare Providers EKOCORP PLC. 5.05 Medical Equipment UNION DIAGNOSTIC &CLINICAL PLC NT Medical Supplies MORISON INDUSTRIES PLC. 5.46 Pharmaceuticals EVANS MEDICAL PLC. 1.15 FIDSON HEALTHCARE PLC 1.55 GLAXO SMITHKLINE CONSUMER PLC 36.00 MAY & BAKER NIGERIA PLC. 1.64

NOTE NT=Not Traded on 21-09-12

QUANTITY

52 WK HIGH

52 WK LOW

SHARES OUTSTANDING

EPS

MOV. (%)

NT 321 562 353 190

0.64 33.00 16.15

0.50 14.53 6.40

2 200 000 000 476 955 000 1 000 000 000

0.00 8.23 1.69

N/A 10.86 3.69

0.50 35.00 14.90

4.26

60 000 000

0.00

N/A

432 033

1.49

0.48

1 199 549 736

0.04

5.22

1.34

112 050 NT 1 800 NT 307 095

2.54 7.60 8.82 8.28 42.50

0.74 5.81 5.32 5.52 28.70

2 191 895 983 963 900 300 389 151 408 821 666 666 1 600 720 323

0.21 0.30 0.00 0.35 7.03

-3.70 N/A N/A N/A N/A

1.35 NT NT NT 36.07

51 000 NT

26.00 95.49

14.09 95.49

148 500 000 196 876 000

0.00 4.50

N/A N/A

10.93 NT

NT NT

7.97 14.46

2.46 14.46

920 573 765 125 000 000

0.00 0.00

N/A N/A

NT NT

150 146 2 470

62.26 8.69

21.55 3.01

1 200 000 000 20 000 000

4.11 3.66

0.88 N/A

28.55 NT

NT 1 788 821

7.28 20.15

7.28 8.82

1 375 000 000

0.00 1.66

N/A 21.20

NT 10.00

50 NT

100.00 50.00

97.00 50.00

20 000 000 250 019 781

11.75 0.75

N/A N/A

100.00 NT

170 882

0.50

4 772 528 415

0.00

N/A

0.50

NT NT 103 187 10 059 926 NT 789 076 100 000

4.63 0.68 255.00 7.28 3.20 122.30 0.97

2.23 0.68 186.00 5.23 1.61 72.50 0.93

900 000 000 272 160 000 1 474 925 519 2 112 914 681 562 000 000 7 562 562 340 126 000 000

0.00 0.03 12.04 0.07 0.00 5.21 0.00

N/A N/A 3.17 N/A N/A 9.80 N/A

NT NT 252.00 10.68 NT 127.50 NT

23 279

48.91

38.31

640 590 362

3.15

N/A

40.00

NT 2 258 823 4 163 119 204 680 4 836 345 NT 300 5 025 461 NT 85 351 368 391

0.50 19.90 16.20 95.00 6.60 2.70 43.96 6.70 5.66 0.88 4.22

0.50 4.15 3.64 52.50 1.91 1.21 21.48 3.86 5.66 0.50 4.22

2 000 000 000 5 000 000 000 12 000 000 000 1 879 210 666 7 930 197 658 3 722 493 620 178 200 000 40 000 000 1 233 375 004 360 000 000

0.00 0.00 0.59 3.60 0.36 0.00 1.20 0.81 0.16 1.13 0.00

N/A 18.43 -1.80 9.74 6.00 N/A N/A 22.49 N/A 11.67 N/A

NT 6.51 4.99 61.89 2.00 NT NT 4.98 NT 0.60 NT

1 894 884 148 924

29.20 500.00

9.15 367.83

3 129 188 160 792 656 250

1.24 21.21

2.86 5.45

22.00 550.00

NT 250 456 446 NT

15.58 42.66 6.75 3.67

10.03 36.19 3.01 2.66

63 360 000 819 000 000 300 000 001

3.90 1.61 0.54 0.00

N/A N/A -0.32 N/A

NT NT 3.10 2.88

353 797 821 793

43.50 36.45

22.07 22.56

3 176 381 636 3 783 296 250

0.51 1.32

4.14 2.89

23.90 37.43

0.97

0.57

843 284 027

0.00

N/A

22 367 806 18 123 540 4 237 460 23 827 147 9 636 587 18 032 538 8 526 400 5 076 412 1 714 488 31 337 843 19 137 641 2 703 916 52 302 97 769 64 235 669

11.10 9.27 17.05 3.20 16.12 8.30 17.81 10.17 11.38 2.91 4.40 10.07 1.92 1.75 16.70

4.76 2.01 9.97 1.14 8.50 3.04 11.64 2.73 6.40 0.97 1.64 1.96 0.50 0.50 11.70

17 888 251 479 14 475 243 105 9 873 614 567 28 974 797 023 32 632 084 358 16 271 192 202 29 146 482 209 13 219 334 676 18 750 000 000 12 563 091 545 32 334 693 693 13 509 726 273 33 675 576 085 12 821 249 880 31 396 493 790

0.63 0.00 2.61 0.19 1.37 0.60 0.59 0.39 0.54 0.43 0.01 2.20 0.00 1.34 1.41

11.69 20.47 4.19 14.19 1.33 4.95 -0.21 7.82 2.00 37.50 -1.08 40.90 0.00 0.00 -1.20

8.47 2.98 10.99 1.55 14.31 3.03 19.24 2.94 7.00 1.12 4.65 6.48 0.50 0.50 16.70

NT 3 022 118 NT 2 500 6 705 579 NT 4 610 500 2 000 6 500 NT NT 59 600 NT NT 1 500 NT NT 1 313 398 200 000 30 474 871 761 798 NT 5 400 NT NT 50 200 NT NT NT 14 000

0.50 1.01 0.64 0.50 1.20 0.50 3.51 0.50 0.69 0.50 0.50 0.80 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.61 0.50 1.93 0.50 0.66 1.11 0.50 2.35 0.50 0.52 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50

0.50 0.50 0.61 0.50 0.61 0.50 1.31 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.95 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50

20 585 000 000 7 809 391 256 211 626 000 6 000 000 000 10 372 624 157 8 820 010 363 5 100 846 808 8 847 298 420 4 549 947 000 3 827 485 380 720 000 000 5 061 804 000 6 420 427 449 28 000 000 000 7 323 313 227 3 437 330 500 4 083 713 569 10 000 000 000 7 998 705 336 5 332 830 881 5 649 693 923 5 003 506 791 2 508 315 436 6 668 750 000 5 203 757 266 6 141 087 609 8 493 173 450 2 581 733 505 13 000 000 000 16 000 000 000

0.00 0.09 0.00 0.06 0.10 0.01 0.27 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.06 0.00 0.02 0.02 0.10 0.00 0.08 0.10 0.25 0.01 0.02 0.11 0.03 0.10 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.01 0.00

N/A 0.00 N/A N/A 0.00 0.00 0.00 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 0.00 N/A N/A N/A 0.00 5.95 N/A 4.00 N/A N/A 0.00 N/A 0.00 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

NT 0.50 NT 0.50 0.61 NT 1.17 NT NT NT NT 0.66 NT NT 0.50 NT 0.50 1.68 NT 0.50 0.50 NT 0.50 NT NT 0.50 NT 0.50 0.50 0.50

NT 1 945 530

NT 1.10

NT 2 000 2 000 000 NT

1.51 0.50 0.50 0.99

1.33 0.50 0.50 0.50

4 200 000 000 8 679 148 676 13 175 732 404 7 812 500 000

0.03 0.10 0.00 0.00

N/A N/A N/A N/A

NT 0.50 0.50 NT

60 000 NT NT NT 65 766

0.61 2.02 0.15 552.20 0.66

0.50 2.02 0.15 555.20 0.50

3 778 005 975 1 333 333 333 5 880 000 2 500 000 3 608 657 661

0.00 0.00 0.00 12.68 0.05

N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

0.50 NT NT NT 0.52

1 000

5.31

5.05

498 600 908

0.12

N/A

5.05

0.50

3 553 138 528

0.00

N/A

22 196

10.54

7.39

152 178 750

0.00

N/A

6.04

85 155 2 244 820 137 359 847 665

N/A=Not Avialable

1.45 3.20 29.65 5.61

0.50 0.76 19.30 1.62

486 473 856 1 500 000 000 956 701 192 980 000 000

0.19 0.27 2.41 0.21

9.52 74.16 11.80 -1.20

1.05 0.89 32.20 1.66

SECURITY

PRICE (=N=)

NEIMETH INT PHARM PLC 0.92 NIGERIA-GERMAN CHEMICALS PLC. NT PHARMA-DEKO PLC. 3.02 ICT Computer Based Systems COURTEVILLE BUSINESS SLN PLC 0.50 Computers and Peripherals OMATEK VENTURES PLC NT Electronic Communications Services MTECH COMMUNICATIONS PLC NT IT Services NCR (NIGERIA) PLC. 13.77 TRIPPLE GEE AND COMPANY PLC. 2.41 Processing Systems CHAMS PLC 0.50 E-TRANZACT INTERNATIONAL PLC NT Telecommunications Carriers STARCOMMS PLC NT Telecommunications Services IHS NIGERIA PLC PREF SHARES NT IHS PLC 2.34 MTI PLC NT INDUSTRIAL GOODS Building Materials AFRICAN PAINTS (NIGERIA) PLC. NT ASHAKA CEM PLC 13.78 BERGER PAINTS PLC 8.01 CAP PLC 28.90 CEMENT CO. OF NORTH.NIG. PLC 4.83 DANGOTE CEMENT PLC 116.26 DN MEYER PLC. 0.81 FIRST ALUMINIUM NIGERIA PLC NT IPWA PLC NT LAFARGE WAPCO PLC. 54.99 PAINTS & COATINGS MANFACT.PLC 1.81 PORTLAND PAINTS & PRDT NIG. PLC 3.15 PREMIER PAINTS PLC. NT Electronic and Electrical Products AUSTIN LAZ & COMPANY PLC 2.00 CUTIX PLC. 1.90 NIGERIAN WIRE AND CABLE PLC. NT NIGERIAN WIRE IND. PLC NT Packaging/Containers ABPLAST PRODUCTS PLC. NT AVON CROWNCAPS & CONTAINERS NT GREIF NIGERIA PLC NT NIG. BAGS MANFACT. COY PLC 1.93 POLY PRODUCTS (NIG) PLC. 1.05 W A GLASS IND. PLC. NT Tools and Machinery NIGERIAN ROPES PLC NT STOKVIS NIG PLC. NT NATURAL RESOURCES Chemicals B.O.C. GASES PLC. 5.98 Metals ALUMACO PLC NT ALUMINIUM EXTRUSION IND. PLC. 10.55 Non-Metallic Mineral Mining MULTIVERSE PLC 0.50 Paper/Forest Products HALLMARK PAPER PRODUCTS PLC. NT THOMAS WYATT NIG. PLC. NT OIL AND GAS Energy Equipment and Services JAPAUL OIL & MARITIME SER. PLC 0.63 Integrated Oil and Gas Services OANDO PLC 13.76 Petroleum &Petroleum Products Distributors AFROIL PLC NT BECO PETROLEUM PRODUCT PLC NT CONOIL PLC 20.68 ETERNA PLC. 2.38 FORTE OIL PLC. 11.00 MOBIL OIL NIG PLC. 115.00 MRS OIL NIGERIA PLC. 32.29 TOTAL NIGERIA PLC. 130.00 SERVICES Advertising AFROMEDIA PLC NT Apparel Retailers LENNARDS (NIG) PLC. NT Automobile/Auto Part Retailers R T BRISCOE PLC. 1.82 Courier/Freight/Delivery RED STAR EXPRESS PLC 3.00 TRANS-NATIONWIDE EXPRESS PLC. NT Employment Solutions C & I LEASING PLC. 0.50 Hospitality TANTALIZERS PLC NT Hotels/Lodging CAPITAL HOTEL PLC 6.60 IKEJA HOTEL PLC 1.12 TOURIST COMPANY OF NIGERIA PLC. NT TRANSNATIONAL CORP. OF NIG.PLC 1.01 Media/Entertainment DAAR COMMUNICATIONS PLC 0.50 Printing/Publishing ACADEMY PRESS PLC. NT LEARN AFRICA PLC 2.11 STUDIO PRESS (NIG) PLC. NT UNIVERSITY PRESS PLC. 4.55 Road Transportation ABC TRANSPORT PLCPLC 0.50 Specialty INTERLINKED TECHNOLOGIES PLC NT SECURE ELECTRONIC TECH.PLC NT Transport-Related Services AIRLINE SERVICES AND LOGISTICS PLC 2.08 NIG. AVIATION HANDLING COY PLC 5.92 ASeM CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Property Management SMART PRODUCTS NIGERIA PLC NT CONSUMER GOODS Food Products MCNICHOLS PLC NT Personal/Household Products ROKANA INDUSTRIES PLC. NT HEALTHCARE Pharmaceuticals AFRIK PHARMACEUTICALS PLC. NT INDUSTRIAL GOODS Electronic and Electrical Products NT ADSWITCH PLC. 1.63 NATURAL RESOURCES Metals W.A. ALUM. PRODUCTS PLC. NT OIL AND GAS Petroleum & Petroleum Products Distributors ANINO INTERNATIONAL PLC. NT CAPITAL OIL PLC NT RAK UNITY PET. COMP. PLC. NT UNION VENTURES & PET. PLC NT SERVICES Apparel Retailers UDEOFSON GARMENT FACT. NIG PLC NT Food/Drug Retailers and Wholesalers NT JULI PLC. 2.76 ETF’s Sector ETF NEWGOLD EXCHANGE TRADED FUND 2 638.00

QUANTITY

52 WK HIGH

52 WK LOW

SHARES OUTSTANDING

EPS

MOV. (%)

935 654 NT 100

1.96 12.91 4.28

0.76 8.59 3.50

1 925 717 268 153 786 012 100 000 000

0.09 0.00 0.00

8.24 N/A N/A

0.85 NT NT

30 000

0.52

0.50

2 960 000 000

0.08

0.00

0.50

2 941 789 472

0.04

N/A

0.91

4 966 666 668

0.00

N/A

29 142 1 000

18.28 3.59

13.12 2.41

108 000 000 492 825 600

1.82 0.00

N/A N/A

13.12 NT

1 870 NT

0.50 4.97

0.50 4.04

4 620 600 000 4 200 000 000

0.00 0.00

N/A N/A

0.50 NT

1.47

0.50

6 878 478 096

0.00

N/A

NT 203 465 NT

2.25 3.50 0.50

0.00 2.46 0.50

4 400 000 000 4 893 594 400

0.00 0.00 0.00

N/A N/A N/A

NT NT NT

NT 166 449 6 491 23 020 842 508 139 753 25 000 NT NT 129 000 15 000 439 200 NT

3.32 30.00 12.57 43.98 15.49 132.51 3.51 0.75 0.99 48.05 3.36 5.28 13.40

2.86 9.10 7.27 14.50 4.20 95.00 0.93 0.50 0.91 37.00 0.52 2.27 10.93

260 000 000 2 239 453 125 217 367 585 560 000 000 1 241 548 285 15 494 019 668 242 908 200 2 109 928 275 513 696 000 3 001 600 004 792 914 256 400 000 000 75 000 000

0.00 1.60 0.15 1.76 1.83 8.01 0.00 0.00 0.00 1.74 0.16 0.39 0.00

N/A 17.28 4.98 -0.86 1.68 -0.62 N/A N/A N/A 20.72 N/A N/A N/A

NT 11.75 7.63 29.15 4.75 116.98 0.74 NT NT 45.55 1.90 3.31 NT

1 000 65 986 NT NT

2.00 2.50 0.73 2.58

2.00 1.33 0.50 2.58

510 396 608 2 220 000 000 15 000 000

0.03 0.11 0.00 0.00

N/A 37.68 N/A N/A

2.00 1.38 NT NT

NT NT NT 5 259 777 200 NT

3.98 6.91 15.03 3.60 1.86 0.63

3.98 2.19 13.28 1.60 1.05 0.63

25 000 000 683 974 528 42 640 000 6 215 000 000 240 000 000 199 066 550

0.00 0.15 0.90 0.22 0.30 0.00

N/A N/A N/A 7.22 N/A N/A

NT NT NT 1.80 NT NT

NT NT

8.69 0.14

8.26 0.14

265 409 280 2 918 000

0.00 0.00

N/A N/A

NT NT

100

9.20

5.70

393 120 000

0.93

0.00

5.98

NT 1 167

7.75 12.39

7.75 10.55

75 600 000 100 000 000

0.00 0.13

N/A N/A

NT NT

10 000

0.50

4 058 989 226

0.00

N/A

0.50

NT NT

3.22 1.38

50 000 000 220 000 000

0.04 0.00

N/A N/A

NT NT

5 485 920

1.87

0.54

6 262 701 716

0.16

5.00

0.60

5 704 856

78.97

13.95

2 262 711 568

7.47

-1.71

14.00

NT NT 167 973 385 100 201 294 78 232 470 31 269

20.71 0.70 41.89 5.59 28.69 163.50 72.00 240.00

20.71 0.50 19.61 2.12 9.12 111.51 32.29 125.00

125 487 475 3 716 976 579 693 952 117 1 249 162 828 1 080 280 628 300 496 051 253 988 672 339 521 837

0.00 0.00 5.98 0.88 0.00 13.06 4.08 11.22

N/A N/A 4.71 0.85 -3.51 0.44 N/A 1.55

NT NT 19.75 2.36 11.40 114.50 32.29 128.01

4 035 497 307

0.00

N/A

0.19

N/A

0.72

0.50

3.48

62 067

3.65

1.12

980 294 400

0.22

-4.71

1.91

1 369 500 NT

3.67 6.40

2.11 3.28

589 496 310 198 819 763

0.63 0.26

16.28 N/A

2.58 NT

100 000

1.64

0.85

865 808 912

0.20

N/A

0.50

0.75

0.50

3 211 627 907

0.01

N/A

0.50

800 1 294 100 NT 20 610 484

8.00 2.59 4.76 1.82

3.00 1.16 4.31 0.50

1 548 780 000 2 078 796 396 1 772 884 297 25 813 998 283

0.18 0.92 0.00 0.22

N/A -2.61 N/A 13.48

6.60 1.15 NT 0.89

5 000

0.50

8 000 000 000

0.00

N/A

0.50

NT 101 959 NT 37 000

3.68 8.00 2.92 6.82

1.64 1.94 2.78 3.09

403 200 000 771 450 000 425 641 111

0.14 0.29 0.01 0.50

N/A N/A N/A #VALUE!

1.64 2.12 NT NT

500 000

0.80

0.50

1 507 000 000

0.00

N/A

0.50

NT NT

5.15 1.88

4.90 0.80

236 699 511 5 631 539 736

0.00 0.03

N/A N/A

NT NT

1 000 469 407

2.78 11.75

1.54 5.15

634 000 000 1 230 468 750

0.38 0.81

N/A -1.33

NT 6.00

1.43

1.04

45 000 000

0.12

N/A

1.02

201 885 335

0.00

N/A

0.60

30 000 000

0.00

N/A

0.50

24 898 850

0.00

N/A

NT 500

1.88

1.63

125 005 250

0.00

N/A

NT 1.63

0.50

6 650 000

0.00

N/A

NT NT NT NT

0.21 0.50 0.31 0.63

24 200 000 5 857 500 000 15 000 000 98 600 000

0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

N/A N/A N/A N/A

NT NT NT NT

NT NT 16 000

0.50

20 000 000

0.00

N/A

3.05

2.76

194 700 000

0.00

N/A

NT NT 2.76

100

2 706

2 422

0.00

2 638.00

A24 40

Business Courage

Monday, September 24, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Monday, September 24, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Law & Justice nationalmirrorlaw@yahoo.com

“Legal locus standi may not be the same to a believer as it is to a lawyer”

JUSTICE KAYODE ESO, RETIRED JUSTICE OF THE SUPREME COURT

Special offences court negates fair hearing –Lawyers Anti-corruption agencies need to monitor assets of judges –Keyamo 44

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN)

Trial, conviction of Godwin Daboh

By the provision of Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution, a person shall be entitled to fair hearing in the determination of his civil rights and obligations. FRANCIS FAMOROTI and WALE IGBINTADE report that the existence of the special offences court in Lagos State negates this maxim.

W New legal year begins 46

orried by the inherent abuses of constitutional rights of the citizens, some lawyers in Lagos State have condemned the inauguration of special offences court to try and convict suspected offenders summarily in the state. The lawyers who spoke in separate interviews with National Mirror, faulted the trial and conviction procedure of the special offences court on the ground that such step was a negation of the enabling provisions of the 1999 Constitution. The lawyers who bared their minds included Messrs. Ebun Adegboruwa, Nnaemeka Amaechina, Ajayi Fatoki and Charles Nmarkwe.

Lagos State Attorney General, Mr. Ade Ipaye

Speaking against the backdrop of the release of 233 inmates of the Kirikiri prison by the state Chief Judge, Justice Ayotunde Phillips, last Wednesday, the lawyers said the special offences court did not provide for the requirements of fair hearing as enshrined in the constitution. The state government had, on August 17, 2012 inaugurated the special offences court for the purpose of bringing violators of state environmental law to prosecution. While commissioning the court, the state Commissioner for the Environment, Mr. Tunji Bello, had said the essence of the court was to restore sanity in the state. So far, the court, sitting at Alausa, Ikeja, had a few weeks ago sentenced 32 commercial sex workers to four months imprisonment. The ladies were among the 52 sex workers arrested by the Lagos State Taskforce on Environmental and Special Offences (Enforcement) Unit on Toyin and Isaac

THE LAGOS STATE GOVERNMENT IS ACTING

ULTRA-VIRES BY SETTING UP SPECIAL OFFENCES COURTS

John streets, Ikeja. Beside the commercial sex workers, others who have fallen victims of the court in recent times are road side traders, pedestrians who crossed major highways instead of making use of the foot bridges and those who indulge in indiscriminate urinary habits on the roads. Reacting to the issue, Adegboruwa said “I feel that the Lagos State Government is acting ultra-vires by setting up special offences mobile courts where people are arrested, charged, sentenced immediately and taken to the prison. “The reason is because under the Constitution once you arrest anybody upon any criminal offence whether miscellaneous offence, environmental sanitation offence or any offence whatsoever that may affect the liberty of that person, you must give adequate opportunity for a defence. “In most cases, these people are illiterates who don’t know their rights. If you arrest a street trader on Ozumba Mbadiwe Road, Victoria Island and he has no access to his family, he cannot call a lawyer and then you take him to Alausa. Within an hour, you have arraigned him, draw up charges and forced him to plead guilty and then you sentenced him. It is unconstitutional.’’ CONTINUED ON PAGE 42

Law & Justice

Monday, September 24, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

‘Citizens should challenge legality of mobile court’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 41 The lawyer stated further: ‘’that is not a society that we anticipate under the Constitution. The Constitution says clearly in Section 36 that every person charged with criminal offence must be given reasonable time and that reasonable time means he must be given opportunity to get a lawyer to be advised properly before he writes his statement. You cannot try somebody within one hour and send him to prison and say because it is environmental sanitation.’’ According to Adegboruwa, ‘’I do not expect from a government that is led by a lawyer, least of all a Senior Advocate, that they pick people like snails on the streets and draw charges against them and within an hour, they are imprisoned.’’ He added: “this is unconstitutional. So, I am advising the governor because I am encouraged by some of the things he is doing Lagos State. I can see his passion, but it is better for 99 offenders to run away than for one innocent man to be sent to jail. It is totally a society that is brutish. Again, this is what is congesting the prisons. Majority of the inmates at Kirikiri and Ikoyi are prostitutes and people who are arrested on the road for hawking. The governor should examine the legality of these actions.’’ In his view, Mr. Fatoki said ‘’I am not particularly pleased with the way things are being done; I think there is room for improvement, things should be done procedurally. I have not appeared before the court, but I have been there and what I saw on that particular occasion was not pleasing to me. The issue of fair hearing which is an all encompassing doctrine in

Bello

the constitution is not being followed. “The constitution says that all Nigerians are entitled to fair hearing in any court of law. Therefore, every organisation vested with the right to try people should observe at least a peripheral aspect of fair hearing. More importantly, since those sitting in these courts are magistrates and trained lawyers. So, there is need for them to improve on the modus operandi by which the alleged offenders are being treated. The Lagos State government is trying and has done a lot to improve the physical environment of the state, but some of its policies should be given human face. For Nmarkwe, ‘’Originally, the objective of the special offences courts in Lagos State is to see how justice can be brought to the grassroots and cases disposed of expeditiously. But, unfortu-

Adegboruwa

WE TEND TO HAVE A SYSTEM THAT ONE CAN APPROXIMATE TO KANGAROO JUSTICE nately from what we see, we tend to have a system that one can approximate to kangaroo justice. We have cases where people are arrested; goods are seized and even destroyed without due trial or process having been observed. We have cases where persons are detained for undue length of time and, most often, money is extorted from them. ‘’We also have a situation where the prosecutor is also the judge, a situation that offends the basic pillar of natural justice, where you as a prosecutor can-

Engineer files N150m suit against BATCO FRANCIS FAMOROTI

n Industrial engineer, Mr. Abdulrahman Haruna Ajayi, has dragged a manufacturing company, British American Tobacco (Nigeria) Limited (BATCO) before a Lagos High Court for alleged libel. In the writ of summons filed on his behalf by the Bamidele Aturu law firm, Ajayi is asking the court to award N150m compensatory damages in his favour against BATCO for casting aspersion on his reputation since he left its services about nine months ago. Besides, he is praying the court to restrain the company from circulating the alleged libellous statements regarding the contract of employment between him and BATCO before he left its employment on January 24, this year. Specifically, Ajayi is seeking an order of perpetual injunction restraining the company, its agents and servants from further publishing, printing or circulating the libellous statements as they concern him. The suit is supported by a 25-paragroah statement of claim in which the claimant stated that his ordeal with BATCO arose from January 24, 2012 when he voluntarily resigned from the

Lagos CJ, Justice Ayotunde Phillips

cigarette manufacturing company after a period of about 10 years. He said shortly after he left BATCO, he joined another cigarette manufacturing firm, Habanera Nigeria Limited. Ajayi said surprisingly, he received a letter dated March 26, 2012 and titled ‘’Notice of Breach of Contract- Letter of Desist’’ from BATCO asking him to disengage his services with the new company. The claimant said by the terms and conditions of employment, he had with BATCO, he had no continuing obligation to the tobacco company after the cessation of his employment with the company.

The engineer said he did not at any time sign a contract with BATCO with the effect of being restricted from taking up employment with a competition within 12 months of the cessation of employment with the Ibadan-based company. He said since the publication of the alleged libellous letter against him, he had faced a lot of hardships at his new workplace as he was being regarded as an untrustworthy and disloyal person. Ajayi claimed that he was at the point of losing his current employment with Habanera Nigeria Limited. He is also demanding a letter of apology from BATCO, adding that same letter should be sent to his current employer and the International Tobacco Company. In its statement of defence dated July 23, 2012, BATCO denied each and every allegation of facts made against it by the claimant. The company also said it would, as a preliminary point, challenge the jurisdiction of the court to entertain, hear and determine the suit. BATCO, therefore, urged the court to strike out and dismiss the suit on the ground that the claimant’s claim was frivolous, vexatious, gold-digging, speculative and an abuse of court process. The suit is yet to be assigned a hearing date.

not be a judge in your own court. So, the same people who arrest, investigate, prosecute also deliver the judgment. In as much as we believe the mobile courts are relevant and have a purpose to serve, we also think that some of these abuses should be curtailed and the system should be fine-tuned such that peoples’ rights are not unnecessarily trampled upon. The Constitution provides procedure for the prosecution of offenders, most especially in criminal trial and we find out most of these mobile courts don’t observe these procedures. Amaechina endorsed the views of the other lawyers in the following words: “The arrangement does not meet the standard and it has not been challenged because no prominent person has been affected. You just don’t try somebody without giving him opportunity to defend himself and an opportunity to instruct his lawyer to act on his behalf. I do not know the type of trial they do in this Special Offences courts but people are complaining bitterly. There are so many complaints which the government must address. I do not support breach of the law, but when peoples’ properties are confiscated, they must be given fair hearing.’’ A trader, Mrs. Tanwa Idowu , was disturbed that each time the KAI officials swopped on traders, they usually sustain losses when their goods are impounded even as most of them lacked the resources to let lock up stalls in the markets in the state. She urged the state government to grant the traders the indulgence to remain on the roadside provided they did not obstruct free flow of traffic on major highways in the state.

Create Alimosho Judicial Division, Lawyers urged CJ

he Lagos State Chief Judge, Justice Ayotunde Phillips, has been urged to ensure the creation of Alimosho Judicial Division of the state judiciary during her tenure. This call is part of the resolutions reached at the meeting of the Alimosho Lawyers’ Forum in Lagos during the weekend. Against this backdrop, the forum appealed to the CJ and the state government to create additional magistrate courts and a High Court in Alimosho Local Government Area. Specifically, the state CJ was called upon to decentralise the state High Court so as to pave way for the creation of the new division. The forum is a rallying body for lawyers whose firms or residence are located in Alimosho area and most its members are at present members of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Ikeja branch. The forum noted that Ikeja High Court is currently serving about 18 LGAs in Lagos State, hence it is necessary to create a new division. This step, the forum observed, would hasten the speedy resolution of disputes in Alimosho LGA. The forum condemned extra-judicial killings in the society and all forms of criminalities, adding that it would foster the campaign against criminal acts in the society.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Law & Justice

Monday, September 24, 2012

Trial, conviction of Godwin Daboh Godwin Daboh was a controversial personality in his lifetime. His initial anti-corruption crusade in 1974 pitched him against his kinsman and the icon of Middle-Belt politics, Joseph Saruwan Tarka. Later, however, Daboh himself was enmeshed in fraudulent practices that led him to jail. FRANCIS FAMOROTI, Ag. Head, Judiciary writes.

odwin Daboh came into prominence in 1974 when he accused Joseph Tarka, the then Federal Commissioner of Transport and later Communications of corruption. The allegation snowballed into high-scale controversy with Tarka, then serving in the Gen. Yakubu Gowon administration. Tarka, at the time Daboh took on him, was a revered elder statesman regarded almost like a political deity in Tiv land. The rage of the controversy got to a head, forcing Tarka to resign his appointment from the government. That was the era when most Nigerian national newspapers ran the headlines and cartoons, ‘’ If You Tarka me, I’ll Daboh You”. This became a nationwide political joke. Many had argued at the time that the audacity of Daboh was propelled by politicians who were afraid of Tarka’s rising profile. But sooner, Daboh failed to live up to the ideal of an anti-corruption crusade. As facts revealed in a decided Supreme Court case about 35 years ago, Daboh and a bank manager with the Bank of the North Limited, one Joseph Mordi were convicted for conspiracy and fraudulent practices relating to the registration of an insurance company and the delivery of a certificate of insurer. Specifically, Daboh and Mordi had been charged and tried at a Lagos High Court on two counts, that they both conspired together on 14th July, 1970 in Lagos to commit a felony, to induce by false pretences the Registrar of Insurance in the Federal Ministry of Trade, to deliver the Certificate of Registration as an Insurer to the Nigerian States Assurance Corporation Limited. The prosecution said by so doing, the duo committed an offence contrary to Section 516 of the Criminal Code. Secondly, that the men with the intent to defraud, induced the Registrar of Insurance, Insurance division, Federal Ministry of Trade, Lagos, to deliver the Certificate of Registration as an Insurer to the Nigerian States Assurance Corporation Limited by falsely pretending that the Nigerian States Assurance Corporation Limited aforesaid had a credit balance of N50, 000 in its account with the Bank of the North Limited. The offence was said to be contrary to Section 419 of the Criminal Code. Daboh and Mordi were eventually found guilty and convicted. On conviction, they were each sentenced to two years imprisonment on the first count, and 18 months imprisonment on the second count; and sentences were ordered to run concurrently. They, however, both appealed against their conviction.

FAMOUS CASES Daboh

HOWEVER, THE SUCCEEDING MILITARY GOVERNMENT LATER GRANTED DABOH STATE PARDON At the hearing of his notice of appeal before the Supreme Court of Nigeria, elder statesman, Chief Obafemi Awolowo was Daboh’s lead counsel. Those who appeared along with Awolowo, were Messrs. Olaniwun Ajayi, Banjo Solaru, Dele Awoniyi, Tunji Omisore and Mrs. Ayo Soyode. Mr. George Uweuche appeared for Mordi while Mr. A.O Ejiwunmi, later Justice, was the acting Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) that represented the State. The case of the prosecution in support of the charges against the men was that on 31st January, 1969, by a formal application duly completed and signed by Daboh, as Executive Director, Nigerian States Assurance Corporation Limited, he applied to the Registrar of Insurance, Federal Ministry of Trade, to be and was duly registered as an Insurer after other requisite forms had also been duly completed and submitted. The Nigerian States Assurance Corporation Limited was then called upon to deposit the sum of N50, 000 with a bank, and, after having done so, to communicate that fact to the Registrar of Insurance, Federal Ministry of Trade to enable the latter to grant and deliver to the Compan, a certificate of registration as an insurer. It was eventually established by the prosecution that Daboh and Mordi engaged in fraudulent practices regarding the delivery of certificate of insurer. Awolowo, who argued Daboh’s appeal had said that the learned trial Judge ought to have discharged and acquitted the first

appellant on the whole of the case because there was no iota of evidence of any agreement between him and Mordi to commit any offence, let alone, a felony; that there was no evidence that the first appellant did anything to induce the Registrar of Insurance, Federal Ministry of Trade to deliver the Certificate of Registration to the Nigerian States Assurance Corporation Limited. Delivering the lead judgment of the apex court on May 27, 1977, Justice Udo Udoma dismissed the appeal lodged by the men. Justice Udoma said that “in the circumstances, we hold that the ground of appeal alleging that the learned trial Judge erred in law in having ruled that the first appellant had a case to answer fails. The court accordingly rejected it”. Besides, the court said: ‘’ we are satisfied and hold that the High Court of Lagos State had full jurisdiction and was competent to have tried the appellants of the offences with which they were charged, tried and convicted. In all the circumstances of this case, and after having given careful consideration to the submissions addressed to us on behalf of the appellants, we have reached the inflexible conclusion that the appeal of the first and second appellants must fail. It is accordingly dismissed.’’ While dismissing the appeal, the court affirmed their conviction and sentences. Other justices on the panel were, Mohammed Bello and Andrew Obaseki. However, the succeeding military government later granted Daboh state pardon. But even after his prison experience, Daboh did not become less controversial. Generally believed to be a government contractor, Daboh had gone into publishing in the late 1980s, when he published the Broom Newspaper, which dwelt large-

ly on Benue politics with a breezy overview on national issues. The paper soon went extinct as it got dogged in rounds of controversies and mounting litigation. Daboh, made his first foray into politics in 1957 when he became a member of the United Middle Belt Congress (UMBC) and later a chieftain of the National Party of Nigeria (NPN). He said his greatest achievement in politics was being part of those who contributed to the emergence of President Goodluck Jonathan in the April 16, 2010 presidential election. It was gathered that before the demise of the Second Republic and particularly Tarka’s death while serving as a Senator representing Benue Plateau in the national Assembly, the defunct NPN stalwarts brokered peace between Daboh and Tarka. It was leant that in 2007, Daboh was on the “Ibrahim Babangida for President” bandwagon, when he swore that only God could stop IBB from becoming President. He was reported to have said IBB had paid for his criminal annulment of the 1992 election by facilitating the election of President Olusegun Obasanjo. However, in 2010 when Babangida showed up as a presidential candidate, Daboh was nowhere in sight, having joined the Goodluck Jonathan for President bandwagon. He famously advised IBB to disappear from the race or be disgraced. In March this year, the final chapter of Daboh’s profile was closed with his death, at the age of 70 after a running battle with diabetes. Before his death, he was quoted to have spoken about his difference with Tarka, “Looking back, I would say the incident between me and Senator J. S Tarka was a misunderstanding between brothers which was blown out of proportion.”

Law & Justice

Monday, September 24, 2012

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Anti-corruption agencies need to Festus Keyamo is a famous activist and lawyer. After being called to the Nigerian Bar on December 15, 1993, he served his pupilage in the Gani Fawehinmi chambers before setting up his law firm. In this interview with WALE IGBINTADE, he speaks on the prosecution of Chief Olabode George and the alleged $15 million bribery to the EFCC among others. You led a team of lawyers that prosecuted the suit filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against Chief Olabode George. What are the challenges that you faced during the prosecution? It is not a case of total doom for the judiciary, when we talk about corruption in the judiciary it is not all the judges that are involved. There are judges of exceptional courage and Justice Joseph Oyewole is one of those judges. Judges of exceptional personality, judges of exceptional integrity, Justice Oyewole is one of such judges. If you lose a case before him, like I have done on some occasions, you will know that you have lost on the basis of the law and the fact of the case and not because of other extraneous considerations. And, if you win a case before him, you will know that you have won on the basis of the law. During the prosecution of Bode George, the pressure on me was almost unbearable. Apart from threats, there were also subtle pleas by friends. We are all living in a society; we are not from heaven or Benin Republic. We are Nigerians and we have classmates and mutual friends of some these people that we prosecute who will come and plead with you. But, that is where your sense of integrity, your sense of purpose and your sense of victory must come to bear. Don’t forget that it is the same people who come to you that will go behind and say, “don’t mind him, he can easily be compromised’’. Somebody may feel bitter that you are not helping in that particular situation, but ultimately the person will retain a lot of respect for you because you did what was right. Recently, it was reported that you called for the arrest of the former Chairman of EFCC, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu in order to unravel the $15 million dollars bribe allegedly given by the convicted former governor of Delta State, James Ibori to the EFCC. Is that correct? That is the unfortunate thing with some of the reports, because the report was not carried in detail. So, many people lost the sense of the point I was making in the paper. Let me explain the purpose of my press statement, I clearly said that the event that led to this $15 million bribe was that Nuhu Ribadu alleged that Ibori gave him money through some sources. They went to collect the money and then took it to the CBN. Now, the first thing you do in such a circumstance is to arrest the people who brought the money because they are conspirators in giving bribe. And when arrested, they must make statements as to where the money is coming from, who gave them the money and for what purpose. It is at this point you will decide whether to use them as accused persons or to use them as witnesses to prove your case. This was not done, they just collected the money and took it to CBN, but they did not arrest the person they collected the money from. However, Ibori said he did not send anybody, and five years or four years have passed and nobody has been arrested. The matter first came to public knowledge when Ibori was charged to court in 2007 by the EFCC for various offences. One of the counts in the charge was in relation to offering that money as bribe to Ribadu. But in an affidavit in support of his application for bail, Ibori denied any knowledge of the money. However, according to the EFCC, after taking custody of the money through Ibrahim Lamorde, who was then the Director of Operations of the Commission, the money was taken to the Central Bank of Nige-

Keyamo

DURING THE PROSECUTION OF BODE GEORGE, THE PRESSURE ON ME WAS ALMOST UNBEARABLE ria and kept there. I further said that in the 170-count charge against Ibori, which included a count of giving the $15 million bribe, which was struck out by the Federal High Court sitting in Asaba. The EFCC appealed against that decision and various parts of that appeal are presently before the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court. In the meantime, James Ibori, has been extradited to the United Kingdom, tried and convicted of some other offences, which do not include giving the $15million bribe or laundering that sum. In other words, if the appeal of the EFCC against Ibori succeeds at the Supreme Court, Ibori can still be tried in Nigeria for laundering the sum of $15million and giving it as bribe, since he was never tried for those offences in United Kingdom. Then I raised a question ‘’why were the duo of Andy Uba and Chibuike Achigbu not arrested at that time since they enjoyed no immunity like James Ibori and charged to court for conspiracy and bribery? Why have they not been arrested up till this minute and charged to court? Or is the Federal Government telling Nigerians that Nuhu Ribadu was lying about the bribe money? Now if you are not arresting them and you just want to collect the $15 million dollars as the federal government is saying that means the federal government is saying that no crime was committed. Now, if no crime was committed and then somebody came and said a crime was committed I was given $15million dollar bribe, I now said well in the alternative if you are not arresting Andy Uba and Achigbu, then you must arrest Nuhu Ribadu for lying on oath, you must arrest one person in order to unravel it because the matter cannot be left to go like that. You must arrest Andy Uba and Achigbu and use Nuhu Ribadu as a witness or arrest Nuhu Ribadu and use Achigbu as witness against him. It has to be one but then to just go to court to say give me the $15Million dollars is very irresponsible of the FG without dealing with the culprits.

Where was this money coming from? Do you know whether the source where the money came from is the same source by which they are now sponsoring Boko Haram, are they not interested in knowing where free funds come from? How do you find free funds within the system without coming from banking institution, without tracing the source of those funds? How do you see the conduct of the Federal Government in this matter? Is that not irresponsible of the FG to allow free funds to move all around without tracing their origin, that is what they call money laundering and that is what aids terrorism because terrorism is funded basically with free funds. Therefore, that was the concept in which I made that particular call and I still stand by what I am said. The FG has a duty to punish does who committed this offence on either money laundering or on the second hand if it is not money laundering then somebody is lying and Nuhu Ribadu was lying, that is what must be done in this case. One of the charges against Ibori was that he bribe Nuhu Ribadu with 15million dollars, the charge was struck out, but EFCC appealed and the appeal is still pending. Now, suppose the Supreme Court says they should go back for retrial and that he was wrongly discharged, what evidence will you use to prosecute that case, where is the money. Now FG wants to take the money and destroy evidence. Just supposing the trial comes back because if Ibori leaves the jail in London, he will come back and face that trial here. So where is the evidence you want to use to prosecute him, if you take that evidence away now? What is your take on the allegation of corruption in the judiciary? Nobody can be comfortable with those allegations, because that is my primary constituency. That is the platform on which I eat my daily bread, that is also the sector that is the third arm of government and it is the key to the survival of democracy. So, apart from the selfish reason that I earn my daily bread from there , the hope of the nation, the aspiration of the nation as a whole and especially the hope of the common man is hinged on the success , integrity of judiciary. That is why any right thinking Nigeria any allegation that concerns the integrity of the judiciary should

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Monday, September 24, 2012

Law & Justice

monitor assets of judges –Keyamo indeed be very worrisome. What is the way out? Well, people have proffered various solutions but the first solution lies in the hands of practitioners themselves. Because, most of these corrupt practices would not be possible if lawyers don’t aid the process. So, we need a lot of work and a lot of integrity from the lawyers themselves. There is no lawyer; I repeat there is no lawyer in this country that has not been approached by his client to say that he wants to see a judge behind. He wants to go and ‘’settle with a judge’’ and I want any lawyer to come out and say he had never been told my one of his clients like that. So, how do you react to the request of the client as a lawyer? Many lawyers will say I will facilitate the process. For me, the first think I will tell you is ‘’don’t involve me in any such thing’’ do not involve me at all, I want to practice the law the way I know I should practice it. I will warn you as my client never to go in and see a judge behind. Why, because it may amount to an exercise in futility. A corrupt judge will take money from both sides and in most cases will deliver judgment to the highest bidder. The case of bribe giving and bribe taking is one of the most silent of crimes. It is silent in the sense that it is difficult for giver or taker of bribe to come and admit that he gave or took bribe. So, it is one of those crimes that both sides die in silence. Therefore, lawyer must learn not to aid the process. The second one is for the anti-corruption agencies to do their work because the judiciary is not exempted from anti-corruption crusade. They should check regularly the assets of the judges and their bank accounts and trace any money that is discovered to be with them and the source of those monies. Most of the corruption we are talking about happen at election tribunals and I have advocated in the past that before they take their oath of office as tribunal members they should also declare their assets, aside from the assets they will declare as judges. After they finished their sittings they must go back and check how much assets they have within the period of six months or one year that they sit as tribunal members. If within that period, any money or assets is traced to them that are far beyond their means, they must account for them. So, the point I am making is that the alertness of the public, the alertness of the law enforcement agencies and of course the alertness of members of the Bar. Basically, the challenge of poor infrastructure, poor facility in our court, most government have not paid attention to the judiciary and how to equip the judiciary to make it function properly. The prospect is that we should continue to beam our search light on the judiciary that is the only way you can make it function properly. The options are zero because the only option is to take our cutlasses to settle our differences. A presidential panel has recommended the scrapping of the EFCC and the ICPC. Do you agree with this recommendation? I have no take on it except that, somebody suggested, along with the scraping of EFCC and ICPC how to fund a special arm of the police, which they called the Special Fraud Unit. That was actually the unit that metamorphosis to EFCC, so nobody can call for the scrapping EFCC and ICPC without telling us at the same time, how he wants to strengthen the Special Fraud Unit of the Police. EFCC in most cases is supported and run by international donations People who want to see that government is committed to the fight against corruption. It also one of the international requirements that you must have a specialized agency to fight corruption, if not America and other countries will blacklist you. Talking about the Nigerian police as it is, nobody wants to touch it and nobody wants to help the police. This is because; the Nigerian Police is seen as a completely useless organisation. So, if for its international image the government must maintain the EFCC and fund it correctly and allow inter-independence and it should be run professionally. The problem why people are calling for the scrapping of EFCC is that they see a lot of political interference.

THE ANTI-CORRUPTION AGENCIES SHOULD CHECK REGULARLY THE ASSETS OF THE JUDGES AND

country but only me. The tenacity with which I pursue my cases scares them, that is how prosecutors should behave and that is how to prosecute cases in court.

People calling for it have a point but they are also not thinking about the consequences because the EFCC as you see it now is a one-eyed man in the land of the blind, it is not fully fit to govern but they say the one-eyed man in the land of the blind is the king that is why EFCC is the king now because it is now a one-eyed man in the land of the blind.

The NBA at the end of its Annual General Conference recently urged the Federal Government to revisit ICJ judgment on Bakassi. Do you think it is necessary? I have not read the judgment so I cannot give personal opinion on it. The NBA’s position may be they have looked at the judgment thoroughly, the circumstances and the facts of the case. Between you and me I have not looked at the judgment carefully and I have not read the facts of the case and as a lawyer I will not be drawn into giving an opinion without reading the fact.

Some of your colleagues have said the EFCC case against the former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Dimeji Bankole was bound to fail. They complained over the use of the Clerk of the House to serve as a witness against his boss? If you don’t use the clerk who would you use? That is what is called a rhetorical question. If you don’t use the clerk who has all the documents in the National Assembly, who will you use? Will you call the truck driver on the road? Who can only be the witness against the principal officer of the house?

Is Nigeria truly a federation? My take on it is a marriage on various opinions’ we have read, ideally it is what you have in a federal system that means every other indices are in place, you have a responsible electoral system, you have a truly independent electoral body, so that when elections come around the corner, what you vote is what you get. You have a perfect electoral system; you also have a police that is totally insulated from politics an independent police, but, without doing all of these, all these indices we start putting them in place then our situation is not ideal yet.

But, do you expect somebody like him to say the truth? Who else will be the witness? Who else can get the documents? Who is the custodian of the documents by law? Some people are ignorant when they make comments. People are ignorant because they do not know the enormity of what we face as prosecutors. We are fighting against corruption, we are fighting against big men with money, and we are fighting against everything as a prosecutor; that is why they said I should be disqualified from prosecuting the case. They don’t want to see me because they could not penetrate me. It is a clear indication of how they perceive me and how I do my cases. If the accused person says I don’t want to see the prosecutor that should tell the whole story as to who the prosecutor is but if you see the accused person winking at the prosecutor in court then you know there is a problem. Almost everybody have filed applications that I should be disqualified, once they say Keyamo they say ‘’go and get somebody else o” they have not done that to other prosecutors in this

What is your take on state police? Let me give you an example, without oil a car cannot run so ideally you must put engine oil in a car for the car to function properly but then what is the point in putting oil in the car when there are no tyres for the car to move. If you pour the oil which is the ideal thing with all things not in place how will that oil make the car function? You are calling for state police when we know that the state government with powers in their hands, no opposition can near the states where they govern. Look at what is happening in the local government elections; there is no case with a State governor that does not sweep all the local government election. That shows the powers put in their hands, look at what is happening. They don’t even concede one local government to the opposition. In most cases opposition parties often boycott the election because they will see the friend of the governor as the head of electoral body. Everybody will know he is a known friend of the governor.

THEIR BANK ACCOUNTS

Law & Justice

Monday, September 24, 2012

Swaziland court sentences man to 85 years for murder Foreign

48 year old man, Amos Mbedzi, has been sentenced to 85 years imprisonment by Swaziland High Court on a four- count charge of murder, unlaw-

Swaziland ful possession of explosives, sedition and illegal entry into Swaziland. According to AFP news agency, the sentences will run concurrently and he will serve 25 years of this time, backdated to the time of his arrest on 20 September 2008. Judge Bheki Maphalala spared him the death penalty because it was established he had not intended to kill his two

companions with a bomb. Maphalala, in his judgement, said the Swazi constitution allowed for the death penalty in cases of murder, but the court had discretion on whether to impose it. He said, ‘Taking into account all the circumstances of this case, I am persuaded that this is not a proper case in which I should impose a death penalty. In particular, the evidence proves that the direct intention of the accused was not to kill the deceased, but to bomb the bridge.’ In sentencing, the Judge refused to accept Mbedzi’s mitigation that he is married with three minor children to support and that his children stand to suffer for any punishment imposed by the court. Instead, he accepted the prosecution’s

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case that the crimes were very serious. He said, ‘their seriousness outweighs the personal circumstances of the accused’. Mbedzi was described as a part of the Umbane People’s Liberation Army, ‘a secret militant group linked to the People’s United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO), which sought to undermine elections that year [2008] until Swaziland allowed a multiparty vote’. He had been convicted of attempting to bomb a bridge near the Lozitha royal residence in September 2008. Meanwhile, the verdict has caused outrage among pro-democracy groups, who see Mbedzi as a victim of King Mswati, who rules Swaziland as sub-Saharan Africa’s last absolute monarchy.

Events The judges, Senior Advocates of Nigeria and other personalities at the activities marking the new Legal Year of the Lagos State Judiciary last Wednesday.

A cross-section of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) at the Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina, Lagos

A cross-section of female Judges

L-R: Lagos State Deputy Governor, Mrs. Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, Most Rev. Adebola Ademowo and the State Chief Judge, Justice Ayotunde Phillips

Lagos CJ, Justice Phillips (middle) inspecting the guard of honour at the Lagos High Court PHOTOS: OLUFEMI AJASA

Personalities at the monthly meeting of Alimosho Lawyers’ Forum in Lagos recently.

L-R: Mr. Anthony Ojei, Mr. Omobolaji Adejumo and Mr. Samuel Awoniyi

L-R -Former Second Vice-Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association (Ikeja branch) Mrs. Gloria Nweze, the current second Vice-Chairman, Mrs. Carolyn Ibeh and the chairman, Alimosho Lawyers’ Forum, Mrs. Aderinola Kappo. PHOTOS: FRANCIS FAMOROTI

Monday, September 24, 2012

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Community Mirror “Muslims and Christians believe that authority comes from God. So, any attack that takes place is against the authority of God.” VICE –PRESIDENT, NAMADI SAMBO

Two docked for alleged theft of cement FRANCIS SUBERU

he police in Lagos have arraigned two men for allegedly stealing 300 bags of cement valued at N438, 000. The accused, Abiodun Ilori, 34 and Wasiu Yusuf, 25, are facing a

two-count charge of conspiracy and stealing at an Apapa Chief Magistrate’s Court. The prosecutor, Inspector Clara Olagbayi, told the court that the accused with others still at large, committed the offences on May 4 at Shop 12, Suru Alaba Market, Ajegunle

in Apapa. She said the accused and others broke into a shop belonging to one Mr Shimiyu Oseni and stole 300 bags of cement. “Ilori and Yusuf were caught by some people in the market while stealing the cement. The people alerted the police who

arrested the men, while others escaped,’’ Olagbayi said. The offences, according to her, contravene Sections 285 and 409 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State.The accused, whose addresses were unknown, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

In her ruling, the Chief Magistrate, Mrs Oluyemisi Adelaja, granted them bail in the sum of N100, 000 each with one surety each in like sum. She said the sureties should show evidence of tax payment in Lagos State.Further hearing has been fixed for Sept. 21.

Lawmakers praise Ejigbo council MURITALA AYINLA

he Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Health, has commended the Ejigbo Local Council Development Area for rejuvenating the primary health care programme in the area. Chairman of the committee, Avoseh Hudewu Suru, stated this when he led other members on a tour of the council’s six health centres. Speaking on state of the health centres, Avoseh explained that the committee is impressed with the facilities put in place by the council boss, Kehinde Bamigbetan. The committee chairman disclosed that the attitude of medical personnel attached to the health centres is commendable, just as he lauded the council for providing all essential tools which, according to him, is responsible for the high patronage recorded by the health clinics. The committee members who said they were happy to be informed that two of the health clinics,at Iyana-Ejigbo and Jakande are running a 24hour service, stated the rationale for the tour is to enable them perform their oversight functions. Avoseh said:”This tour will enable us to know how the health centres in our local governments are being run, to meet the demands of our people at the grassroot. Moreover, their efficiency which is our primary concern will reduce pressure on the general hospitals,” he said. Hon. Avoseh urged the council chairman to continue to mobilise residents to patronise the health centres, particularly now that there are qualified doctors and nurses.

Workmen mending a collapsed section of the Agege Motor Road at Oshodi, Lagos.

PHOTO: OLUWASEGUN IJABIKEN

Court summons surveyor, others for harassment WALE IGBINTADE

senior Magistrate’s Court, sitting at Apapa in Lagos State, has summoned a surveyor, Adeyemi and two land speculators to appear in court over alleged harassment and threat to life of one Prince Dele Ajiboye. Others ordered to appear are two land speculators, Niyi Akere and Olumide Abiola (respondents) all of Plot 17, Block 2, Sandfill Estate, Satellite Town, Lagos. Senior Magistrate F. J Adefioye, gave the order following a summon issued to the respondents brought pursuant to Section 34(1) and 42 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law

of Lagos State, 2007. Magistrate Adefioye, had in a ruling of September 9, 2012, restrained the respondents from harassing, molesting, embarrassing or attempt to kill or maim the applicant (prince Adefioye), his family or any member of his staff. The court had also ordered the respondents to show why they should not be compelled to enter into recognizance to keep peace and be of good behaviour. An affidavit deposed to by the applicant and argued by his lawyer, Rasaq Abudu, stated that the applicant’s life and members of his family are threatened over his landed property at Ijegun Egba. The defence lawyer stated that the spate of killings in the

country requires the respondents to enter into recognizance so as to protect the applicant and his family. He further submitted that the respondents who claimed to have purchased their own land from the same source with the applicant (Alagbo Agbojojoye family), did not deem it fit to go to court but allegedly preferred a resort to violence. He stated that the respondents on August 15, 2012 went to the applicant’s land, allegedly destroyed his property and waylaid him but he narrowly escaped. Ruling on the application, Senior Magistrate Adefioye, held that after a thorough examination of the processes ‘’I am of the view that this is one of the excep-

tional cases that should be entertained so as to prevent imminent violence , loss of life and a breach of peace. Citing Section 34(1) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law 2011, the court held that ‘’whenever a Magistrate is informed on oath that any person is likely to commit a breach or disturb public peace, the Magistrate should order the person to show why he should not enter into recognizance’’. The court further held ‘’ my careful perusal of the entire affidavits as well as the information on Oath, clearly revealed that the case of the applicant deserves a sympathetic consideration. The matter has been adjourned till September 26 for hearing.

Cocktail

Monday, September 24, 2012

FOR YOUR SUCCESS

WITH DR. DEJI FOLUTILE

Today's Tonic (8) The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong. ** Mahatma Gandhi *** Be Addicted To Forgiveness! These days I look at people who declare that they won’t forgive their supposedly offenders with horror! You won’t forgive? Ha, that is a careless and a dangerous decision to take against yourself. Whenever we choose not to forgive, we are setting ourselves up for more and bigger troubles. A wise man once wrote, “To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you.” Each time we forgive our fellow being, we are displaying rare wisdom. The only authentic road to inner peace in any relationship is forgiveness. I keep saying it that more than half of the people on admission in different hospitals today might be healed and set free today, if they choose to forgive one person or the other. The truth is this: only the wise forgives. The foolish keeps holding grudges and wallowing in bitterness to the detriment of his soul and progress. Let’s Forgive And Let Go! TEL 08104942999 E-MAIL deji.folutile@gmail.com Follow me @TwitterOWOTIDE

Hawk flies into car, lands on driver’s lap

red-tailed hawk that flew into a car travelling on a highway in Connecticut—landing on the driver’s lap—has been released back into the wild. Dan Caitlin was driving along the Merritt Parkway in Trumbull, Conn., last week when the hawk flew into the windshield of his car, bounced off the side window and fell into his lap,

animal control officials told the Fairfield Citizen. Caitlin drove for a short distance with the stunned hawk in his lap, before pulling over and putting the raptor into the passenger seat. When he got home, he called the animal control staff, which picked up the injured hawk and kept it overnight before bringing it to a local veterinarian.

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Oddities

Tiger mauls man at New York’s zoo A Siberian tiger critically injured a man who jumped into the big cat’s den at New York’s Bronx Zoo on Friday, retreating only after emergency workers scared it off with a fire extinguisher. The man, 25, was riding the zoo’s elevated monorail in the afternoon and leapt from a car, clearing a fence around the tiger enclosure, according to a statement from the zoo. He was taken to a local hospital in critical condition. His condition was later upgraded to stable, a spokeswoman for the Jacobi Medical Center said. Zoo and fire officials said the man received bites or puncture wounds on his arms, legs and shoulder during the roughly 10 minutes he was alone with the tiger. “One leg was severely injured,” said Frank Dwyer, a fire department spokesman, although he could not confirm early reports the man lost a foot in the incident. In rescuing the man, the

zoo’s emergency workers used a fire extinguisher to repel the tiger, then ordered the man to roll under an electrified perimeter wire to safety. The staff had been prepared to use deadly force if necessary, zoo director Jim Breheny told a televised news conference. “If not for the quick response by our staff and their ability to perform well in emergency situations,

Fish eyes.

the outcome would have been very different,” the zoo said. The tiger involved is an 11-year-old, 400-pound (180kg) male named Bachuta, Breheny said. The director said the zoo would review the incident but would not put the tiger down or take it out of the exhibit. Breheny said the incident was “just an extraordinary event

that happened because somebody was trying to endanger themselves.” “The tiger did nothing wrong in this case at all,” he said. In July, tigers at a zoo in Copenhagen killed a man who scaled a fence and crossed a moat to get into their den, and wolves at Sweden’s largest zoo killed a zookeeper in their enclosure in June.

PHOTO: CREATIVENERDS.CO.UK

Monday, September 24, 2012

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World News

“Any scheme which uses pensions as a guarantee must ensure that it does not inadvertently make the saver worse off when they retire.”

- BRITISH DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER, NICK CLEGG

Egypt wants more independence from US PAUL ARHEWE

WITH AGENCY REPORTS

•

Obama thanks Morsi for securing American embassy

n the eve of his first visit to the United States as Egypt’s president, Islamist Mohammed Morsi said he will demonstrate more independence from the U.S. in decisionmaking than his predecessor, Hosni Mubarak and told Washington not to expect Egypt to live by its rules. Morsi sent that message in an interview with the New York Times after a wave of violence erupted across the Muslim world over an amateur film produced in the U.S. that was deemed offensive to Islam and its prophet Muhammed. The film raised new tensions between Washington and Egypt. Morsi criticized U.S. dealings with the Arab world, saying it is not possible to judge Egyptian behaviour and decision-making by American cultural standards. He said Washington earned ill will in the region in the past by backing dictators and taking “a very clear” biased approach against the Palestinians and for Israel. “Successive American administrations essentially purchased with American taxpayer money the dislike, if not the hatred, of the peoples of the region,” he told the paper in the interview published late Saturday, drawing a clear distinction between the American government and

President Morsi the American people. Those administrations “have taken a very clear biased approach against something that (has) very strong emotional ties to the people of the region that is the issue of Palestine.” He stressed that unlike his predecessor, Mubarak, he will behave “according to the Egyptian people’s choice and will, nothing else.” Meanwhile, U.S. President Barack Obama has thanked the Egyptian president for securing the U.S. Embassy during protests against a film made in the United

States that mocked Prophet Mohammad and sparked worldwide demonstrations and violence. Obama’s rival in the U.S. presidential race, Mitt Romney, called for a tougher line with Egypt after protesters scaled the compound wall and tore down the U.S. flag on September 11. Police clashed with demonstrators for four days after that incident and barriers were erected to stop them getting near the compound. In a letter, Obama repeated Washington’s condemnation of the film and said he looked for-

ward to working with President Morsi to build on the “strategic partnership”, Morsi’s official Facebook page said yesterday. Morsi, who was sworn in on June 30 after the first democratic elections in Egypt’s modern history, has been cautious not to sharply depart from Mubarak’s foreign policy path, particularly the longstanding alliance with the United States. But with an Islamist president at the helm of the Arab world’s most populous country, there are already differences and changes of focus. Morsi has been expected to distance himself from what many Egyptians saw as Mubarak’s compliance with Washington’s agenda in the Middle East, especially because his Muslim Brotherhood group has been a vocal critic of U.S. policy in the region and in the Muslim world. In the interview, Morsi dismissed criticism that he responded too slowly when protesters managed to scale the walls of the heavily fortified U.S. Embassy in Cairo on Sept. 11. The demonstrators replaced the American flag with a banner carrying the Islamic declaration of faith. Morsi said he needed to deal with the situation “wisely” and took time to avoid a backlash from an angry but small crowd of protesters.

Libya orders illegitimate militias to disband

ibya’s president ordered all of the country’s militias to come under government authority or disband, a move that appeared aimed at harnessing popular anger against the powerful armed groups following the attack that killed the U.S. ambassador. The assault on the U.S. mission in Benghazi, which killed Ambassador Chris Stevens and three other Americans, has sparked an angry backlash among many Libyans against the myriad armed factions that continue to run rampant across the nation nearly a year after the end of the country’s

civil war. On Friday, Benghazi residents staged a mass demonstration against the militias, and stormed the compounds of several armed groups in the city in an unprecedented protest to demand the militias dissolve. Late Saturday, President Mohammed el-Megaref told reporters that the militias, which the weak central government has relied upon for providing security in neighbourhoods and at state facilities since Gaddafi’s ouster, must fall under the authority of the national government or be disbanded. He said a joint operations room

WORLD BULLETIN

Somali rebels threaten more assassinations, claim MP’s killing Islamist rebels said they shot dead a Somali lawmaker in Mogadishu on Saturday and threatened to kill every legislator in the country. Gunmen shot dead Mustaf Haji Mohamed outside his home after evening prayers, the latest in a wave of attacks since Somalia’s new assembly elected President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud earlier this month. “How many times had we warned Somalis against joining the infidel government?” Sheikh Abdiasis Abu Musab, spokesman for military operations for the Islamist militant group al Shabaab, told Reuters late on Saturday. “Let it be a good lesson for the rest.” Mohamud’s election was hailed by his supporters and Western powers as a vote for change after more than two decades of violence. The militants were swift to brand the political newcomer a “traitor” who headed a government serving only Western interests.

Cameroun’s ex-minister jailed 25 years in corruption case A court in Cameroun has sentenced ex-minister Marafa Hamidou Yaya to 25 years in jail on corruption charges. He has been found guilty of embezzling millions of dollars intended as a down payment on a presidential plane. Three co-defendants, including a former head of now defunct national airline Camair, received the same sentence. Another senior politician, former PM Ephraim Inoni, is also facing charges in connection with the fraudulent deal to purchase a presidential jet in 2004.

UN urges security accord at Sudan summit

Soldiers from the Libyan National Army getting ready to enter Rafallah al-sahati Islamic Militia Brigades compound in Benghazi, Libya , on Saturday. Photo: AP in Benghazi will coordinate between the various authorized armed brigades and the army. Armed groups operating outside the “legitimacy of the state” will be disbanded, and the military and police will take control over those militias’ barracks, he said.

In a statement published by the official LANA news agency, the military asked all armed groups using the army’s camps and outposts and barracks in Tripoli and other cities to hand them over. It warned that it will resort to force if the groups refuse.

International bodies including the United Nations and the African Union have urged Sudan and South Sudan to reach a comprehensive agreement at a summit of its leaders being held in Ethiopia. The two countries have taken a step towards a border security agreement that will allow oil exports to resume, officials said on Saturday, paving the way for their leaders to sign a deal to end hostilities. Sudan’s President Omar alBashir and his southern counterpart Salva Kiir are expected to work out the border agreement during the summit in Addis Ababa yesterday, in an effort to meet the deadline set by the UN Security Council. Sea ports. But Sudan has insisted on first reaching a security accord something which both parties have been unable to agree during two weeks of talks.

World News

Iran threatens to attack US bases if Israel strikes

senior commander in Iran’s powerful Revolutionary Guard warned that Iran will target U.S. bases in the region in the event of war with Israel, raising the prospect of a broader conflict that would force other countries to get involved, Iranian state television reported yesterday. The comments by Gen. Amir Ali Hajizadeh, who heads the Guard’s aerospace division, came amid tension over Iran’s nuclear program and Israel’s suggestion that it might unilaterally strike Iranian

nuclear facilities to scuttle what the United States and its allies believe are efforts to build a bomb. Tehran says its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes. Hajizadeh said no Israeli attack can happen without the support of its most important ally, the United States, making all U.S. military bases a legitimate target.

Monday, September 24, 2012

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North

Monday, September 24, 2012

17,550 students fail promotion examinations in Niger PRISCILLA DENNIS MINNA

A L-R: Mallam Yusuf Olaolu Ali (SAN); Kwara State Governor, Abdulfatah Ahmed; Chief Medical Director, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH), Prof. Abdulwaheed Olatinwo and representative of the Minister of Health and Deputy Director, Health Emergency Preparedness and Response, Mr. John Kehinde, at the commissioning of UITH Trauma Centre donated by Mallam Ali in Kwara State, at the weekend.

Education suffering from inadequate funding – Babalola ABIODUN NEJO AND ADEMU IDAKWO

rontline lawyer and founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, Chief Afe Babalola, has called on the government to adhere to the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, UNESCO, recommendation of at least 26 per cent of budgetary allocation to education. Babalola said the education sector would continue to suffer decline if adequate funding of the sector and nurturing of

quality teachers were not given priority attention. The lawyer, who spoke at Kogi State University, Anyigba at the weekend while being conferred with Doctor of Letters (D. Litt) Honoris Causa, said: “Allocating ridiculous sums to the sector cannot move us forward in this country. Quality education is the key to success in life. “The sector is suffering from inadequate funding. UNESCO recommended that 26 per cent of the budget be allocated to the sector, but that is not done here. We need to do that to move the sector forward.

“Some state universities are operating from borrowed houses and when you look at a situation where a state governor approves N50m for capital project in a university a year, what can that do?” Babalola, who said his university would collaborate with Kogi State University to provide quality education for the people, advised the graduating students not to allow anything to hinder them from attaining higher heights. Speaking at the event, Governor Idris Wada of Kogi State, who described Babalola as an example in

determination and focus, said the legal luminary had touched many lives with his kindness. The institution’s ViceChancellor, Prof. Hassan Isah, said the fourth convocation ceremony of the institution was the first time the university produced graduates who bagged higher degrees. A former Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, National Chairman, Dr. Ahmadu Ali, was also honoured with a Doctor of Science degree. A total of 4,274 students bagged first degrees from six faculties in the university.

2015: CPC will defeat PDP in Kaduna –Chieftain A ZA MSUE KADUNA

chieftain of the Congress for Progressive Change, CPC, Mr. Danladi Ephraim, has promised that his party would wrest power from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Kaduna State in the 2015 governorship poll. Ephraim told journalists in Kaduna at the weekend that the incumbent PDP Governor Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa should prepare to vacate the Government House in 2015. The CPC chieftain admitted that although his party made mistakes in the 2011 general elections, it was prepared to defeat

the PDP because the latter had failed to deliver dividends of democracy to the electorate. Ephraim, who was the running mate to the CPC governorship candidate in the 2011 poll, said bad governance was responsible for the current insecurity facing the country, even as he accused the PDP-led government of hiding poor performance under insecurity. He blamed the CPC failure to clinch power in 2011 on corruption in the electoral system, while promising that opposition parties would restore the country’s lost glory. “We made some mistakes in the past; we are set to correct them in order to confront PDP in

2015 elections. PDP government in the state and at the federal level should prepare to vacate in 2015 because the government has failed Nigerians,” he said.

Ephraim, however, alleged that the recently conducted state House of Assembly by-election in Zaria constituency won by the PDP was massively rigged.

bout 17,550 out of the 57,510 students who registered for internal examinations organised by the in Niger State Ministry of Education failed the examinations. The Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Susan Gana, who disclosed this at a press briefing in Minna, said 39,959 passed the promotion examinations held in the state and would be eligible to sit for the West African Examination Council, WAEC, and the National Examination Council, NECO. She said the administrator of Governor Babangida Aliyu had spent N440.7m on the WAEC and NECO examinations, while parents paid N191.6m.

LOKOJA

n international agency, ActionAid, has said that about 75m children of school age had no access to education in the rural areas of Nigeria. The agency in partnership with Kogi State community-based organisation, Participation Initiative for Behavioural Change In Development,

PIBCID, said in its report on mapping of “In/Out of School Children in Primary Schools” in Igalamela/ Odolu Local Government Area of the state, that 150m children currently enrolled would drop out of school without completing primary education in the country. ActionAid called on the Kogi State Government to involve various communities in the budgetary planning for infrastructure for

Aliyu

10,000 babies die daily globally, says expert WOLE ADEDEJI ILORIN

bout four million babies die every year, about seven per minute, the world over in the first four weeks of life and 99 per cent of them occur in low and middle income countries, including Nigeria. Professor Olugbenga Muokolu of the Department Paediatrics and Child Health in the Faculty of Clinical Sciences of the University of Ilorin made the submission at the 114 Inaugural Lecture of the institution he delivered at the weekend. The figure, according to him, represents seven newborn deaths per minute and

75m children out of school in Nigeria –Report ADEMU IDAKWO

Under the arrangement, the commissioner explained that while the government paid for one of the two examinations, parents paid for the other. Gana said that before now, the state was paying the examination fees of the two examinations for each candidate. She denied the allegation that non-payment of examination fees had made it difficult for students to access their examination results on the internet.

the primary schools. It said that the dearth of conducive environment had contributed to the decline in children enrolment in the state. According to the report, 58 per cent of the out of school children are female while 32 per cent are male. This, according to the report, has given the impression that girls may be forced out of school by their parents for early marriage.

10,000 deaths a day. He, however, said three million of the four million could be prevented if there was access to improved lowcost and low-tech interventions. Muokolu said neonatal deaths were generally caused by preterm deliveries with their attendant complications in the babies, prenatal asphyxia, infections, respiratory problems, neonatal jaundice and congenital malformations. According to him, that a child escapes the deadly dangers of the first four weeks of life does not exclude him from other unsolicited encounters as he grows up to adulthood. He said malaria was the most of such encounters which guaranteed 100 per cent mortality rate among children. Muokolu, also said in Nigeria in particular, one out every five women, had malaria parasite in her which was responsible for the growing maternal mortality rate. However, the professor recommended, among others, that government in Nigeria and other developing world should encourage low-cost and appropriate technologies and care strategies as panacea for reducing neonatal deaths.

News

Monday, September 24, 2012

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PDP raises alarm over Osun mining licence OLAJIDE OMOJOLOMOJU

sun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has raised the alarm and accused the Rauf Aregbesola-led Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) government of commencing the process of selling the state’s solid minerals mining licence to some leaders of the ACN based in Lagos. In a statement issued by its Director of Media and

Strategy, Diran Odeyemi, the PDP said: “We are not surprised at the latest move by Aregbesola to sell our asset, because as at the last time, he sold several hectares of land in Osun State to Lagos State government, people said PDP was crying wolf, but we will not be deterred in exposing this government as an expansion of Tinubu’s assets.” Going down memory lane, the PDP said the state, under the former governor; Olagunsoye Oyinlola, applied for and was granted

a mining licence, which conferred on the state the right to mine solid minerals in any part of the country by the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) which conducted the bidding sessions. It added that this gave birth to the Livingspring Mineral Promotion Company (LMPC), as a limited liability company and that LMPC had, prior to Oyinlola’s exit from government, acquired 11 mining sites across the country and “had also worked dili-

gently with prospective investors in mining destinations including Australia, United States, Canada and South Africa to commence mining operations in an attempt to widen the revenue base of the state.” The PDP alluded to a widely publicised statement credited to Aregbesola, when a team of mining experts from the Geological Surveys of Nigeria Agency, led by Prof. Siyan Malomo, visited the state about four months ago when he openly admitted that Oyinlola

achieved so much in the mining sub-sector, saying that it “never knew Aregbesola was laying the premises to sell off those gains to his political god-fathers and sponsors,” with the statement. While vowing to fight the Aregbesola administration with all legal means to thwart the move by the ACN to rob Osun State of its patrimony, “which Aregbesola himself some months ago described as an enduring legacy of the Oyinlola administration, the PDP

appealed to concerned Federal Government agencies and the media to remain alert and assist the people of the state in aborting what it described as “daylight robbery.” In a related development, the Lagos State chapter of the PDP has criticised the Lagos State government for organising a “waste to food” holiday programme, which it said encouraged teenagers and school children to scavenge for plastic bottles in return for “food.” The PDP said such programme at this time is barbaric, exploitative and extortionate.

World Bank to boost FRSC operations with patrol vehicles, others

he Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) says it is restrategising its operations to address the increasing cases of road crashes in the country. The Corps Marshal, Mr. Osita Chidoka, said this at a retreat of the Zone RS2HQ, Lagos, in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, yesterday. The theme of the retreat was “Zero Tolerance for Road Traffic Crashes.” Chidoka also said that the commission would soon take delivery of patrol vehicles and motor bikes from the World Bank to enhance its operations during the ember months. He added that the commission would be supplied with ambulances and heavy duty recovery vehicles. “Under the safe corridor project, the World Bank is making available 16 patrol vehicles installed with mounted cameras, radar guns and communication equipment. “The commission would also be taking delivery of 22 patrol bikes; three ambulances and three heavy duty recovery vehicles for phase one for specific corridors across the country. “By next week, we are taking delivery of the patrol vehicles and before the end of the year, we shall

take delivery of the ambulances, bikes and heavy duty recovery vehicles which will be used for the end of the year patrol operations.” The corps marshal said the corridors to be given the equipment to include Bida, Suleja, Abuja, Kaduna, Kano, Enugu, Abakaliki, Ufon, Cameroun junction, Owo, Ilesha, Mokwa and Benin Toll Gate. He said the equipment would enhance operations at these corridors and the commission in general. The FRSC boss said the retreat was in line with the collective efforts to demystify the ember months period. “Nigerians have become apathetic to the wanton destruction of lives and property characterised by this period of the year when human and vehicular traffic heighten due to the associated festivities of Sallah, Christmas and New Year. “This apathy is, however, sustained by the false belief held by people that road traffic crashes are acts of God or evil spirits of which we have no control. “But nothing could be farther from the truth, as the causes of road traffic crashes are known and they are preventable.”

President Goodluck Jonathan (left)greeting top government officials on his way to New York for the 67th session of the UN General Assembly in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Ministers commend NSCDC for judicious use of funds OMEIZA AJAYI

hree federal cabinet ministers have commended the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for what they described as the ‘judicious use of funds’ by the leadership of the corps even as they urged other heads of agencies and parastatals to emulate the corps in funds management. Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Senator Bala Mohammed and his counterparts in Infor-

mation and National Planning, Labaran Maku and Dr Shamsudeen Usman respectively, spoke yesterday at the inspection of projects at the Civil Defence Academy in Sauka, Abuja, as part of the ongoing Good Governance Tour by the Federal Government. They expressed delight at the conscientious use of about N1.5bn at the academy, saying “there are tangible evidences on ground to justify the funds.” Minister of Information, Labaran Maku, described the Commandant-

Labour leader asks FG to focus on rail, energy sectors

he Vice-President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mr. Issa Aremu, has called on the Federal Government to ensure a functional rail and energy sectors in order to boost the nation’s economy. Aremu, who made the call in Ilorin while speaking with journalists yester-

day, expressed concern that Nigeria’s dream of being among the leading 20 economies by the year 2020 might become a mirage except the rail and energy sectors were made to be functional. He said there could not be meaningful economic development or industrialisation in the country without sta-

ble power supply and a good transportation system. He urged the Federal Government to focus on fixing the energy sector and protecting the market. “The Federal Government should put in place a policy making it mandatory that Nigerians should not consume what they are

not producing and that they should produce only what they consume. “This was exactly the technique China used to develop its economy. They consumed only what they produced and Nigeria can learn from that in order for our country to grow and flourish,” Aremu said.

General of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps, Dr Ade Abolurin, as an honest public servant, who according to him has been able to justify the meagre resources at his disposal by way of embarking on meaningful projects for the corps.

According to him, the transformative efforts of President Goodluck Jonathan can be seen physically at the civil defence corps, saying the corps has come to stay forever in the country contrary to speculations about its status.

Ekiti funds not spent on foreign trips –Fayemi ABIODUN NEJO ADO EKITI

kiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, yesterday replied critics of his administration, saying his foreign trips were not on the bill of the state government. He said that despite financing the trips from his personal coffers since he assumed office, they were targeted at attracting foreign investors to the state with the aim of stimulating development. The governor told journalists in Ado Ekiti,

the state capital, yesterday that the effects of the foreign trips and the achievements of his administration in office in line with his electioneering promises, culminated in the Governor of the Year Award that he received from a newspaper company last week. It will be recalled that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state recently criticised the governor for his frequent trips abroad, describing it as ‘capital flight’ and his refusal to allow the deputy governor act in his absence.

Monday, September 24, 2012

Mikel gets Di Matteo’s applause

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Sport

My relationship with Lance Armstrong is zero. I have never admired him and never will –Spanish cycling star, Alberto Contador

Ex-Rangers launch SOS GEORGE OPARA UMUAHIA

ormer players of Enugu Rangers have appealed to the governors of the five South East states to assist of the families former players whose relatives live in penury. The former players, who met in Umuahia at the weekend under the aegis of Ex-Rangers Memorial Project, lamented the condition of the families, some of who they alleged were ejected from their homes while their offspring could no longer afford school fees. The group’s chairman, Mr. Stanley Okoronkwo, also called for the immortalization of the founding fathers of the club to enable the future generations to recall their exploits for the legendary Enugu club. “We commend the Anambra State Governor, Mr. Peter Obi, for his efforts at paying some stipends to some ex-Rangers players, and we urge other governors in the zone to emulate his gesture,” Okoronkwo said. Okoronkwo who was flanked at the briefing by Dominic Nwobodo and Nwabueze “We also want the governors to immortalize the founding fathers of the club that include Chief Jerry Enyeazu, Dan Anyiam, Tony Nzeribe, Clifford Eneli and Eto Amaechina, among others,” Okoronkwo, who was supported at the meeting by former players Nwabueze Nwankwo and Dominic Nwobodo, added.

Vice President Namadi Sambo (l), President Goodluck Jonathan, Rivers State Governor Chibuike Amaechi and his deputy, Tele Ikuru during the flagging off of the Rivers 2011 National Sports Festival

Eko 2012: Jonathan to flag off Unity Torch AFOLABI GAMBARI

rganisers of the 18th National Sports Festival tagged “Eko 2012” said yesterday that President Goodluck Jonathan will flag off Games Torch Tour at a ceremony in Abuja tomorrow, signifying countdown to the festival scheduled for November 27 to December 9.

National Mirror learnt that President Jonathan would be joined at the event by Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola, his deputy and chairperson of the Local Organising Committee, Mrs. Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire and Rivers State Govenor, Chibuike Amaechi. According to the Secretary General of the LOC, Kweku Tandoh, logistics for the event has been finalised to make it

Azerbaijan 2012: Germany rides Ghana

uropean champion Germany began its FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup with a hard-fought victory over Ghana yesterday. The African side began the brighter, with Fatima Al-Hassan forced Merle Frohms into her first notable save of the day, tipping her header round the post after ten minutes. However, just three minutes later the Africans were behind. Great work by captain Sara Daebritz down the left saw her pick out Venus El-Kassam. Her header was saved but Victoria Adyei could do nothing about Vivien Beil’s follow-up. It was two before 20 minutes had been played, Pauline Bremer taking the ball down on

Action during the Ghana versus Germany group game in the ongoing FIFA U-17 competition in Azerbaijan yesterday

her thigh at the edge of the box before prodding it past Adyei. With a two-goal cushion Germany solidified and looked more composed, eliminating the spaces Ghana exploited

early on. Ghana came out fighting after the break and broke through as Issaka collected the loose ball on the left wing to square Ayieyam who slotted in.

hitch-free. “The Festival Torch is expected to go round the 35 states of the federation, commencing from the Federal Capital, Abuja during a 60-day period before arriving in Lagos,” Tandoh said. “The Torch of Unity symbolises the unity and friendship that is engendered by the spirit of the National Sport Festival in building friendship, unity and bonding amongst the vari-

ous federating units of the nation,” the LOC chief explained. Lagos State has over the past months intensified preparation for the games which interestingly was first hosted in the city in 1973, after it was conceived by then military Head of State Gen. Yakubu Gown as one of the measures to recreate national unity after the nation overcame a 30-month-old civil war that ended in 1970.

Martins lifts Levante

uper Eagles striker, Obafemi Martins, yesterday scored the winner on his debut for Levante against Real Sociedad in La Liga. The former Rubin Kazan forward came in as a 46th minute substitute for Iborra and scored the match winner for Levante in the 87th minute to seal a 2-1 win for his side after he collected a pass from Ballesteros. The former Inter Milan player, however, had his 64th minute effort disallowed for offside. “I couldn’t ask for a better debut than this,” Martins told journalists minutes after the game. Martins’ strength proved too much for opposing defenders to deal with as Levante trailed

1-0, before the club came back and secured the maximum three points. The out of favour Nigeria international, who recently moved to the Spanish La Liga as a free agent after he cancelled his contract at Russian club Rubin Kazan, has signed a two-year deal.

Martins

Sport

Monday, September 24, 2012

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Musa drives CSKA machine

uper Eagles winger, Ahmed Musa, was the hero for CSKA Moscow as he scored the winner in a 3-2 home victory over Volga Nyzhyi at the weekend. Musa fired the winner in the 87th minute after he received a pass from Japan international Keisuke Honda to complete a great comeback by his Russian team. The former JUTH FC and Kano pillars goal getter said it was great to stage a big fight back. “It was not an easy game, they came to win and they took the lead. We put in our best and I am happy that we won,” Musa stressed. “The goal was a special one for me because it gave us the victory after coming from 2-0 down. It was a team collective effort that gave us the win.” Musa now has three goals in the league this season. Obinna Nsofor

Nsofor nets for Lokomotiv

Mikel gets Di Matteo’s applause Under pressure John Obi Mikel

helsea midfielder, Mikel Obi, deserves praise and not abuse for the dirty job he does for the Stamford Bridge side, according to Manager Roberto Di Matteo. “I had a good conversation with John, and he seems to handle the racial abuse on Twitter well,” Di Matteo said yesterday. “I have a lot of faith in him. I think he’s done extremely well for us in that position. It’s a bit of a dirty job there to try and break up the opposition’s play and it doesn’t always get recognised with the right credit.” Di Matteo has also condemned in totality the abuse rained on Mikel after the Champions League game against Juventus at Stamford Bridge last week. Meanwhile, reports yesterday said Chelsea will ban any fans found to have sent racist tweets to the Nigeria international. The midfielder had already closed down his Twitter account on Thursday morning by the time the club were made aware of two highly offensive comments directed at him on the social media website. It is not yet known whether the tweets came from Blues fans angry with the mistake Mikel made on Wednesday night which led to the late Juventus equaliser at Stamford Bridge. “We haven’t seen any evidence to suggest that those directing racist abuse were Chelsea supporters,” club spokesman Steve Atkins said. “But we’ve made our position consistently clear over the years on any discriminatory behaviour within our support,” Atkins said.

Musa

okomotiv Moscow’s striker, Obinna Nsofor, came off bench to score his second goal of the season away at Terek Grzny over the weekend as the visitors won 3-0. Nsofor, who replaced Giushakov in the 57th minute, found the back of the net in the 83rd minute to dash Grzny’s hope of recovery by giving his team a 2-0 lead. “It was a great game and I am excited that I contributed to the victory with a goal,” Nsofor, who has been overlooked by Nigeria as he fights to regain full fitness after a knee problem, said yesterday. “We have been doing well and I hope we will continue this way and even get better so that our goals will be achieved.” Lokomotiv now occupies second spot with 19 points from nine games behind leader CSKA Moscow, who parades Nigeria flying winger Ahmed Musa.

Debut delights Ambrose

uper Eagles defender, Efe Ambrose, has expressed delight at his debut for new club Glasgow Celtic at the weekend. Ambrose, who got his work permit in time to make the bench for his side on Wednesday’s UEFA Champions League tie against Benfica, played his first game for Celtic in a 2-0 win over Dundee United when he was throw into the fray in the 86th minute as substitute for Scott Brown. “I am happy with my debut and look forward to playing more games and achieving a lot with a great team like Celtic,” the Nigeria international said, even as his compatriot, Rabiu Ibrahim, sat out the match. The central defender had to settle for only a place on the bench in the Champions League group tie at home against Benfica on Wednesday because he was late in rejoining the team as he pursued his work permit in Israel. “I wanted to play the game but I joined the team a bit late,” Ambrose explained.

Tit Bits

Dempsey

Tottenham forward Clint Dempsey has voiced his respect for manager Mark Hughes as he prepares to go up against his former boss when QPR visit White Hart Lane on Sunday. Dempsey has fond memories of working under the manager at former club Fulham before they went their separate ways. And the American says the 48-year-old showed glimpses of the talent that made him a star with Manchester United in training with the Cottagers.

Kompany

Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany has made it clear he has no intention of leaving the club for Spanish giants Real Madrid or Barcelona. The influential centre-back, who has been at City since 2008 when he arrived from Hamburg, played a key role in their Premier League title-winning campaign last season. But the 26-year-old says he has no desire to follow in the footsteps of other Premier League greats and make the move to Spain with Real or Barca.

Villas-Boas

Ambrose

Andre VillasBoas would have no complaints if the continued evolution at Tottenham Hotspur included the appointment of a technical director. Spurs chairman Daniel Levy is determined to overhaul the management structure at White Hart Lane this season after sacking Harry Redknapp in the summer. Redknapp was against the idea of having a technical director above him but Villas-Boas is familiar with the concept and would be happy to feed off the advice of a more experienced person from the world of football.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sport

Monday, September 24, 2012

Governor’s Cup: Agugbom eyes ‘good run’ YEMI OLUS

s tennis players get set for the 12th Governor’s Cup Tennis Championship, former CBN women’s champion, Christy Agugbom, is expecting to undergo a successful event this year.

Agugbom lost out of the competition in the opening rounds of last year’s edition but says she is rediscovering her form following intensive training for the tournament scheduled for October 13 to 27. “I didn’t go far last year as I was sent packing in the early rounds of the first and second legs but I pray for a good run this year. I have already resumed training and I believe I can make an impact this time,” she said. Players from over 40 countries are expected at the event which is the only International Tennis Federation Pro Circuit in Nigeria. However, Nigerian players have always been at the receiving end after finding their opponents tough to contend with. On her poor performances over the years, Agugbom said: “We do not have the facilities so it is no surprise that our counterparts from the west or even other African countries fare better. They have everything they need. “They also start from a very young age unlike what is obtainable over here. The difference is very clear. Personally I started the game when I had almost attained the age of 20 so there is no basis for comparison.”

Robin van Persie (20) scoring the penalty to seal win for Manchester United at Anfield yesterday

RVP ruins Reds Anfield’s party

late penalty goal by Manchester United talisman, Robin van Persie, yesterday gave the Red Devils victory over Liverpool on a poignant afternoon at Anfield. On an occasion when the Hillsborough victims and families were remembered in moving scenes before kick-off, these two great rivals produced a typically competitive and contentious encounter. Liverpool were reduced to 10 men when Jonjo Shelvey was sent off for a first-half foul on United defender Jonny Evans,

but it did not stop captain Steven Gerrard volleying the Reds ahead seconds after the interval. United responded with a spectacular equaliser from Rafael Da Silva before Van Persie confirmed a fourth straight Premier League win nine minutes from time after Glen Johnson fouled Antonio Valencia. It left Liverpool and new manager Brendan Rodgers without a league win in five attempts this season and in the Premier League’s bottom three, once again rueing their lack of cutting edge.

Elsewhere, Laurent Koscielny scored an equaliser as Arsenal came from behind to snatch a well-earned point from a breathless encounter with Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium, the Frenchman finding the net nine minutes from time after thumping in from close range off a failed clearance by the hosts. City had taken a scarcely deserved first-half lead when Joleon Lescott headed in David Silva’s corner shortly before half-time. But Arsenal kept coming to salvage a point from a match

that maintains both club’s unbeaten starts to the season and leaves the Emirates side locked together with eight points from five matches. But this was an accomplished performance, made all the more satisfying by the contributions of Santi Cazorla and Aaron Ramsey. EPL Results Liverpool

1-2

Man City

1-1

Man Utd Arsenal

Newcastle 1-0

Norwich

Tottenham 2-1

QRP

Presidential largesse sparks controversy YEMI OLUS

Bolaji Abdullahi

he confusion surrounding the alleged non-payment of the N2.5 million promised by President Goodluck Jonathan to Team Nigeria’s Paralympics officials took another dimension over the weekend as the Secretary General of the Nigeria Paralympic Committee, Dr. Frank Thorpe, claimed ignorance of the government’s pledge. Jonathan announced N5m, N3m, N2.5m and N5000, 000 for gold, silver, bronze medallists and athletes who did not win medals respectively at a reception for the team in Abuja a fortnight ago as well as N2.5m for all the accompanied officials, coaches, secretaries and medical team. National Mirror, however, learnt yesterday some officials alleged being short-

changed in the largesse, claiming they were paid N1m while others received N500, 000. But Thorpe said he was yet to get to the root of the matter. “I read about it in the papers but the truth is that I have not verified from anyone, neither have I checked my account balance because my bank does not usually send me alerts. I will need to confirm from the National Sports Commission because I wouldn’t make assumptions,” the paralympic official said. “We all heard that the president promised N2.5m to each official, not the total sum for all the officials because if that were to be the case, nothing will be left by the time the money is shared among almost 20 people,” he explained, adding, “After all, the Falconets officials collected their N1.2 million each immediately but if what I’m hearing is true, I will have to write to the NSC concerning the matter.”

A paralympic silver medallist who spoke to National Mirror yesterday under condition of anonymity, however, confirmed her receipt of the N3m pledged by the president. According to Thorpe, other bodies are interested in bestowing honour on the athletes who made the country proud in London having won six gold, five silver and two bronze medals. “Shell has also contacted me as regards organizing an award ceremony soon and I will meet the company’s official during the week,” he disclosed. “Hopefully that will enable us to earnestly commence preparation for the Commonwealth Games and the Rio Games. “We will be busy scouting talents during the Eko 2012 National Sports Festival because of the need to replace some of our ageing stars.”

WORLD RECORD

Largest display of lanterns

Vol. 02 No. 454

N150

Monday, September 24, 2012

The largest display of lanterns in a single venue was 47,759 and was achieved by Tainan County Government at Solar City in the ‘Prayer for Peace’ area of Tainan Science Park in Tainan, Taiwan, on 24 February 2008.

Ignorance of faithless believers and their devotees

hich subtler way to put the recent display of violence demonstrations in parts of Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Yemen, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Sudan and now northern Nigeria, which was characterised by burning of flags and pictures, and even leading to the killing of people in some cases, over a stupid obnoxious video clip? For me, it is a stark exhibition of dangerous ignorance of the way the world works plus a clear proof of lack of faith in an omnipotent God by the masterminds of the so called protests we were forced to endure. It is time we tell these uncivilised thugs without mincing words that their senseless actions have no place in a modern world where normal ordinary people, regardless of their race, faith, gender or ethnicity, just want peace and prosperity

NOTES FROM CAMBRIDGE Anthony A. Kila

anthonykila@mail.com for themselves and their loved ones. As I write these notes, I am also staring at the footages of the mob that went out in Kano to protest and burn flags and pictures over the weekend; please have a look at those pictures if you can. Without much analysis, two things immediately come to mind. One is that the crowd we see is an organised and coordinated team, not a spontaneous group of angry protesters. The second is that I doubt that those people in the images we saw in the streets of Kano have actually seen the video clip they claim to be protesting about. This ill famed stupid tasteless video is not available in public domain anymore. I had to make a special request and prove I needed it for my studies for me to see it. Let us not fool ourselves, a clear and reasonable implication of such observations is that there is someone or some people with resources sustaining these actions and guiding these crowds. In the Nigeria of Boko Haram, a person or people with enough resources to inform, convince, mobilise and coordinate others to go to the streets to burn flags and picture in the name of religion and actually doing so should be identified and kept under close scrutiny by those charged with protecting our lives and properties. If anymore reason was needed, this is a golden opportunity for our secret service and they should seize it in order to prevent future calamities. With their actions, those orchestrating these uprisings and the devotees executing

THEIR ACT IS A DISPLAY OF IGNORANCE OF FAITHLESS BELIEVERS WHO WANT TO PLAY

GOD. THEY SHOULD BEG FOR FORGIVENESS OF THEIR SINS on their behest and influence are clearly showing that their understanding of how things work in countries like the USA is shockingly modest and dangerously wrong. In their ignorance, they are equating the action of a faceless individual to that of a government or even a whole country. From their shallow point of view, they seem incapable of understanding that from all available analyses and polls we have today, the people of America and their government have no desire to go to war with more countries or movements. These ignorant flag and picture arson orchestrators that claim to be causing mayhem in the name of a God in which they seem not have complete faith are clearly showing themselves as incapable of understanding that the crux of present American administration’s foreign policy is to put emphasis on negotiation and

collaboration rather than confrontation and unilateralism. If there was a bit more depth to their thoughts they would probably realise that with their actions they are giving validity to those foreign policy hawks who claim there is no point in trying to reason with non-Christians as they are just haters that needed to be isolated, dominated and quashed. If they could think just a little bit more, they might easily realise that if the American people reasoned like them then they would see the people in Kano burning the American flags and in retaliation consider Nigeria an enemy country. Could it be that these people actually want that? Could it be that they want war? Looking at the images of Kano and elsewhere with all those children and woman amongst that mob one cannot but wonder and ask what value do these people place on the lives of their dependents. What kind of injudicious and selfish cynicism are we dealing with here? A lot is amiss; for the purpose of understanding these irritating and criminal acts, even if we were to grant just for the sake of argument that the orchestrators are mere reckless injurious cynics and that their devotees are fuelled by the belief that they are doing something godly, one must still ask a few questions on how these people conceive their God. Do they really see their God as omniscient, omnipotent and merciful? It is legitimate to doubt these arsonists and especially those supporting and guiding them really have enough faith to believe that their God that sees and knows all, has enough power to deal with someone that insults his commandments and Prophet. They seem to believe that God and his Prophet need their help to protect themselves from an ugly video clip. They are the faithless ones. Their act is a display of ignorance of faithless believers who want to play God. They should beg for forgiveness of their sins.

Sport Extra

ormer Warriors of Zimbabwe captain, Benjani Mwaruwari, says he will leave South Africa for England by mid-October prior to making a decision on his future. Amidst speculation that Mwaruwari, 34, was on the verge of signing for South Africa top side SuperSport United, the striker said yesterday that he had only trained with

Mwaruwari seeks fresh playing options the club to keep fit. “The arrangement was made by former national team mate Kaitano Tembo, who is an assistant coach at SuperSport,” Mwaruwari explained. “I’m in a position in life where I

don’t have to force things. My target is really to find a Premier League club here, and if that fails I will return to England to evaluate the situation,” the former Manchester City and Portsmouth striker added. “I think presently I am leaning

towards retirement. But you never know.” Mwaruwari, who previously played in Switzerland and France, signed for Portsmouth in a £4,1m deal in 2006 before joining ManchesNFF President, Aminu Maigari ter City in 2008. Benjani Mwaruwari

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